Three-quarters of Chicago Public School students come from low-income families. As third graders, they test below the second-grade level in reading and math, on average. But they nearly catch up to the national average by eighth grade, gaining six grade levels in five years, according to a nationwide study by Stanford researchers. That makes the much-maligned district one of the most effective in the country, reports the New York Times, which has some great interactive graphi

John the Author is scheduled to speak at New Trier High on Feb. 28. New Trier High School on Chicago’s wealthy, white North Shore has scheduled a day of workshops on “racial civil rights,” reports the Chicago Tribune. Students must attend the keynote speech. After that, they can choose which sessions to attend. A group called “Parents of New Trier” is demanding that moderate and conservative speakers be added to the Feb. 28 event, known as “Seminar Day.” If not, it should be