Lessons Learned about Urban Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper examines research on urban education, looking at what works and what does not. It introduces a theme issue of the "Illinois Schools Journal" that examines various interventions from the perspectives of members of the Center for Urban Research and Education (CURE) and tenure-track professors from Chicago State University's College of Education. In recent years, the student population has grown, has begun to include children from more diverse backgrounds, and has diversified the kinds of educational programs offered. However, these accomplishments have fallen far short of the vision of a universal school system that provides all children with equal access to academic success. Various interventions hold promise for reforming education for poor, minority students. They feature such elements as greater parent involvement, a challenging and relevant curriculum, restructured school organizations, and use of technology to enhance learning. The papers included in this theme issue focus on: the work of the CURE; the impact of parent participation; the need for culturally relevant curriculum; the benefits of small schools; and varied uses of computers in education. (Contains 15 references.) (SM)