Parents like me across the city were already struggling just to support our families. Now we are also being asked to take on the additional role of teacher--a job for which we have no training, no time and not nearly enough guidance from CPS.
Having to educate our kids is an unfair burden on all parents but particularly for those with essential jobs who are still working most of the day. How are parents supposed to feel okay not being able to help their children?
CPS should not leave it to parents, or even individual schools, to figure out how to manage remote learning. Computers and wifi are necessary to continue education while schools are out, and CPS, along with the city, should provide them--not just to households, but to every student.
Now that Chicago schools have been officially closed for the remainder of the school year, and we have now seen the huge discrepancy between schools and neighborhoods, all we ask is that CPS and the city ensure that all students are set up to resume quality learning from home.
Maria Sanchez, Chicago Lawn
Learn more about Chicago's digital divide during COVID-19 in our issue brief, and sign up to get involved.
Why Illinois Must Fully Fund Education Now
Claiborne Wade, chair of Kids First Chicago’s Equitable Funding Task Force, CPS parent, and staff member at DePriest Elementary, presses the state board and state legislators to guarantee more adequate education funding in the FY2026 budget.
Katrina Adams Reacts to CPS Special Board Meeting and CEO Sacking, on Eve of Winter Break
Parent leader Katrina Adams reflects on what the special December 20 Board of Education meeting and the Board’s decision to fire CEO Martinez means about the city, the mayor, and who gets prioritized by politicians.
Statements from Kids First Chicago & Kids First Chicago Parent Advisory Board on Special CPS Board Meeting
Kids First Chicago and its Parent Advisory Board offer statements on the Board of Education's special session, called with just two days' notice on the brink of the CPS Winter Break.