OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
September 10,2014
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Alderman Thomas, a congratulatory resolution concerning the Chicago Public Schools.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
H resolution
adopt** by Tlte Qltlj QoUHCil
o/the Qity of Qkicago, Illinois
ALDERMAN LATASHA R. THOMAS
presented by MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL 0K SEPTEMBER 10, 2014
^QhBVBClS - Tne Members of this Chamber wish to recognize the Chicago Public Schools ("CPS") for their successful efforts during the 2013-2014 School Year to improve student graduation rates, test scores and attendance; and
WHEREAS, Since 2011, CPS graduation rates have consistently trended upward. Last year, CPS students graduated at a record rate of 69.4 percent, a historic high for the Chicago Public School District, and an astounding 4 percentage point improvement over the previous year. In just three years' time, CPS graduation rates have increased by 11.14 percentage points; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this past year the rate for high school freshmen on track to graduate increased to 84.1 percent, the highest measure on record, and a remarkable 2.6 percentage point improvement over the previous year. Since 2011, the freshman on track to graduate rate has increased by 11.5 percentage points; and
WHEREAS, Last year, CPS students received all-time high ACT test scores. The average composite ACT test score of 18 achieved by CPS students in 2013 outpaced statewide growth in both reading and math; and
WHEREAS, The results of recent Northwest Evaluation Association Assessments showed that CPS students in the second through eighth grades had made considerable gains in both reading and math, and continued to make progress measured against their peers nationally. Eighth graders showed strong growth in reading and math for a second consecutive year, an excellent indication that they are ready to thrive in the rigorous high school academic environment; and
WHEREAS, Despite Chicago experiencing its coldest winter in years, CPS attendance rates from kindergarten through twelfth grade rose to 93.2 percent, an increase of 0.7 percentage points over the previous school year. The comprehensive attendance plan piloted by CPS in 2014 in an effort to strategically address the barriers that result in chronic absence and truancy clearly worked as planned to increase student attendance rates, and its success augurs well for even better student attendance rates this school year; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this tenth day of September, 2014, do hereby recognize and applaud the Chicago Public Schools for the tremendous strides it has taken towards increasing student graduation rates, test scores and attendance, and otherwise providing our children with the excellent education that they need and deserve to realize their full potential as human beings and to prosper in the years ahead; and
i
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Board of Education in acknowledgment of this inspiring educational trend, and as a symbol of our unwavering commitment to our children's future.