Remote Learning in Chicago: How Well Is It Working?

A Comparison Between Traditional and Charter Schools

With schools turning to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Daytime Education Committee decided to look at how schools were dealing with online education by checking out their websites.

First, we looked at the traditional schools. Many of the schools directed parents and students to the Chicago Public Schools website regarding remote learning. This website lists class schedules depending on grade and the amount of time suggested for each subject.  

Parents or students unfamiliar with computers may have difficulty using the site. Looking at individual school sites, we found various qualities of usability. Higher-rated schools had websites that gave more information to the parents, with class schedules, food distribution sites and principal welcoming statements that were up to date. Some lower-performing schools had limited information.

Reports about a school’s rating, attendance, number of students, and racial make-up were available on most schools' sites. All websites had COVID information.

After checking on the traditional schools, we looked at charter school networks and their individual schools. The Acero (formally UNO) network has 15 schools. The website produced by Acero was well made, informational, and professional. All these schools directed parents and students to the official Acero site.

The Noble Charter School Network has 18 schools. All of these schools use the Noble School Network website. This website gave information for teachers, parents, and student expectations that differentiated by grade level. It also looked to be professionally done. Information was given in the posted school handbook. A parent or student already familiar with the site may be more successful than others.

Learn Charter School Network has seven schools in Chicago. This network has a website for remote learning that all schools use. It advertises job openings at the school, which appear to be many. 

University of Chicago Charter Network has four campuses and encourages the use of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) website for COVID-19 and remote learning assistance. 

Aspira Network of Charter Schools had websites that provide information on school life, yearly, and daily schedules. It referenced other sites for more information. It provided links to a site assumed to offer learning aids, but the links were accessible to visitors.

All charter school websites had a button for donations. Only Noble School Network provided information on donations.

Checking on Chicago Public Schools' website, it was noted that information now refers to in-school learning; there is not much information on remote learning. We will have to wait and see if remote learning or in-school learning will be taking place in Chicago.