More Than 100 People Shot In Chicago Over Holiday Weekend
Statistics show shooting numbers are down this year compared to 2016.
LEARN MOREChicago To Class Of 2020: Have A Grad Plan, Or We Keep Your Diploma
Exceptions will be made for some students, such as those who are undocumented or incarcerated.
Chicago To Class Of 2020: Have A Grad Plan, Or We Keep Your Diploma
Getty Images
July 9, 2017
High school seniors in Chicago will soon need a post-graduation plan to receive their diplomas.
The program, called "Learn. Plan. Succeed," was approved in May. Starting in 2020, seniors will need to show proof of their plans for life after high school, like college or trade school acceptance, military enlistment, or a job offer.
The program does have exceptions, like if the student is undocumented or incarcerated.
Chicago is the nation's third-largest public school system and only graduates around 73 percent of its students.
But critics say the program creates a heavier burden on students as well as faculty. Chicago laid off roughly 1,500 teachers and staff members in 2015 due to budget constraints. Officials are working to raise $1 million to hire eight guidance counselors.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the program's goal is to put students on "a path toward a successful life," and that focusing only on K-12 schooling isn't enough anymore.
Emanuel said: "The city of Chicago is moving toward a pre-K to college model."
4:00
Ukrainian mom's visit to the US turned into a mission to help refugees
What started as visit to her son in Chicago is now a mission to help other Ukrainian refugees settle in the Windy City.
Book censoring attempts doubled in 2022
The American Library Association has been recording data on censorship in libraries for more than 20 years. This year's data has record numbers.
2:59
Women are celebrating women who serve a common goal
A group of women in Atlanta are celebrating women who make a difference and work toward inclusivity and diversity.
Top Stories
1:49
US, Canada end loophole that let asylum-seekers cross border
Authorities from both sides have been eager to end the process that allowed immigrants to pursue asylum cases without using official crossings.
2:45
FAA calls on airlines to help prevent another travel meltdown
The FAA is changing some practices due to recent runway incursion events, and addressing possible effects of staffing shortages.
2:30
Why are some citizens protesting in France?
Hundreds of people were arrested in clashes amid some the biggest protests so far against the raising of France's retirement age.
