What is the relationship between the Consortium and Chicago Public Schools?
We see ourselves in a partnership with Chicago Public Schools although we insist upon having independence so that we can be objective. Working in partnership means we’re studying some of the issues they think are most important—where they need the most assistance and where they’re going to be most receptive to our findings. At the same time we also want to step back and say, “Well, what do we see as some of the big issues that the school district is facing that they may not be thinking of?” So we’re trying to partner with them on their priorities but at the same time bring our own perspective and experience into the mix. Q: How did the partnership with CPS survive over these many years despite the fact that you deliver some tough news to them sometimes? A: We’ve certainly had some contentious moments when people at CPS have wondered, “Is it really worth putting up with this?” when the Consortium has released negative findings and caused bad headlines. But I think there’s been a feeling
