LeTUS in the Chicago Public Schools In the fall of 1997, the National Science Foundation (NSF) approved a proposal to build an interdisciplinary research center to study the integration of advanced learning technologies in public-school curricula. This center, The Center for Learning Technologies in Urban Schools (LeTUS) consists of the Chicago Public Schools, Northwestern University, the Detroit Public Schools (DPS), and the University of Michigan. The Chicago Public Schools work directly with LeTUS’ researchers at Northwestern University to bring project-based, technology-rich curricula into its middle-school science classrooms.
Working with LeTUS, the CPS develops new teaching approaches and revamping its technology infrastructure. With more than 436,000students and 583 schools, the Chicago public school district is the third largest in the nation. LeTUS currently collaborates with more than 65 of those schools, working closely with the district's administration to develop curricula and technology resources to take full advantage of LeTUS’ curricula. | Teacher Facilitators Teacher Facilitators are experts with Center curricula and provide initial and ongoing assistance for classroom teachers. The Center enjoys the services of two Teacher Facilitators, each of whom has extensive experience as a CPS classroom science teacher. Lou-Ellen Finn recently retired from CPS to begin Teacher Facilitator duties at the Center. She is primarily responsible for assisting teachers in schools on the north side of Chicago. Chandra James is currently a CPS classroom science teacher who has been released from her regular duties to work in a special assignment capacity as the Center's second Teacher Facilitator. Chandra is responsible for working with teachers on the south side of Chicago. Lou and Chandra can both be reached at (847)-491-5420.
| Systems Engineering The Center's work with collaborating schools includes technology services ranging from the preparation of computers for Center software to design and implementation of Local Area Network infrastructures and Wide Area Network connectivity. While each school is expected to use local personnel to maintain its technology resources, Jim Webb, Senior Systems Engineer, provides technical assistance for bringing resources up to appropriate standards, and responds to situations in which a technical issue cannot be resolved by local personnel.
| Special Programs Working with LeTUS at Northwestern, the Chicago Public School System created new project-based programs for two local high schools. Called the Math, Science, and Technology Academy (MSTA), the program is designed to help students develop mathematical, scientific, technological, and language skills to succeed in college and in the workplace. The Chicago partnership includes Fenger and Clemente high schools, for which LeTUS provides project-based curricula and technology seminars for teachers and students. University researchers and high school teachers design the units and after-school activities. Six curricula are currently in use in CPS: Behavior Matters, Global Warming, Water, Realizing New Urban Environments (ReNUE), Struggle for Survival, and Earth Structures and Processes. | If you would like more information about LeTUS’ work in Chicago’s schools, please contact one of our Teacher Facilitators: Chandra James at chandramj@aol.com, or Lou Finn at l-finn2@northwestern.edu For more specific information about the Chicago Public Schools, click here | Home | Top of Page |
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