Chicago Teachers Union Under Scrutiny Following Criticisms on Education Standards and Legislative Understanding

Chicago, IL – The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is facing renewed scrutiny over its perceived understanding of education policy and its impact on student outcomes, following a recent social media post by James Lippens. Lippens, whose background and affiliations are not immediately clear from public records, asserted that the union's alleged misapprehension of federal legislation highlights broader issues contributing to "abysmal test scores" within Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

In his tweet, Lippens stated: > "I knew the Chicago teacher’s union was bad at educating children but the revelation that they think the governor is responsible for federal legislation makes those abysmal test scores make more sense." This comment draws a direct link between the union's political awareness and the academic performance of students.

Recent data from the Illinois State Board of Education for spring 2024 indicates significant challenges in CPS student proficiency. Only 30.5% of students in third through eighth grade met reading proficiency standards, and just 18.3% were proficient in math. For 11th graders, the figures were even lower, with 22.4% proficient in reading and 18.6% in math. While some elementary grade-level reading scores have seen slight improvements, overall proficiency rates remain a concern. Some reports from the Illinois Policy Institute have previously highlighted instances of "zero proficiency" in specific schools.

Education in the United States operates under a shared governance model, with states holding primary responsibility for public schooling. This includes setting curriculum standards, teacher certification, and funding mechanisms. The federal government, through entities like the Department of Education, plays a supplementary role, providing funding, setting broad guidelines through acts like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and ensuring civil rights protections. Governors primarily oversee state-level education policy, not federal legislation.

The CTU is recognized as a powerful political force in Illinois, influencing policy through advocacy, activism, and endorsements. The union has historically engaged in contentious negotiations with city and school leadership, often expanding its demands beyond traditional "bread and butter" issues to include broader social and economic concerns. This extensive political involvement has drawn both support and criticism regarding its focus and effectiveness in improving educational outcomes.