(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago Public Schools parents, students and teachers have a chance to weigh in on future plans for arts education.
Seven community round tables and several virtual focus groups will allow CPS families and staff to discuss what they'd like to see in arts education.
In-person events are being held at schools in the coming days and weeks.
A virtual focus group session is scheduled for Thursday at noon. Online registration for that can be completed here.
In-person round table sessions are being offered from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the following dates and locations:
-Wednesday, Sept.18, Olive-Harvey CCC, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
- Thursday, Sept. 19, Irma C. Ruiz Fine and Performing Arts, 2410 S. Leavitt St.
- Tuesday, Sept. 24, Oscar Depriest School, 139 S. Parkside Ave.
- Wednesday, Oct. 2, Kelvyn Park High School 4343 W. Wrightwood Ave.
- Monday, Oct. 7, Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
- Tuesday, Oct. 8, Site TBD - location will be posted on the district's art's education website
A virtual round table discussion will be held starting at noon on Oct. 7.
The district boasts of expanding teaching positions over the last two years so arts education is accessible to all students, for their social emotional health as well as academics.
For anyone wondering why this is a priority when the district projects a half a billion dollar budget shortfall next year, CPS cites research that finds low income students participating in arts programs are three times more likely to graduate from college than those who don't.
The district expects to have the new plan in place by the start of the next school year. The prior plan crafted under Mayor Emanuel recommended raising arts instructional time to two hours a week for elementary students.
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