In the News: Home schooling grows among African Americans; debating mayoral school control

Home-schooling experts say more African-American families are choosing to school their children at home, according to the Chicago Tribune. The families are opting out of public schools, which critics say may be not only failing their children, but also in some cases shortchanging them of their history. In south suburban Hazel Crest, 12 families participate in the Indigo National Homeschooler's Association, where the curriculum is centered on African-American history, culture and language.
A Tribune editorial addresses mayoral control of the school board, saying it's time to have a debate over it.  "And let's have a much broader debate about what goes on in the classroom, and how few hours children spend in the classroom, and how we're going to keep those children safe. And let's have a debate about the role of parents—absent parents are the greatest obstacle that teachers and their students face," the paper says.
The major candidates in the Chicago mayor's race are split on the proposal that the city’s school board be elected instead of appointed by the mayor. (Tribune)
In the state
A charter school for upper elementary and junior high age students could open in the Jacksonville School District next fall if approved by the school board. (State Journal Register)
In the nation
The New York Times asks some of the city's most respected principals to give advice to Cathleen Black, who takes over today as chancellor of New York City Schools Monday.