In Chicago, a total of 50 schools were shut down.
These significant closures primarily affected elementary education. Notably, 49 of the 50 schools that were closed were elementary schools.
Impact of School Closures in Chicago
The decision to close such a large number of schools in Chicago was a substantial policy change with various anticipated and actual outcomes. Investigations into the effects of these closures have provided crucial insights into their long-term impact on students.
According to a 2018 report from the UChicago Consortium on School Research, the shuttering of these schools did not result in improved academic outcomes for their students. The study indicated that students from the closed schools, when integrated into new educational environments, maintained similar rates of absence and suspension compared to their peers in the new schools. This suggests that the closures did not inherently resolve underlying issues related to student engagement or disciplinary challenges.
Here is a summary of the schools shut down:
| Type of School | Number Shut Down |
|---|---|
| Total Schools | 50 |
| Elementary | 49 |
The period of these school shutdowns in Chicago offers important lessons regarding the complex ramifications of large-scale educational restructuring on student well-being and academic progress.
