Cultivating Leadership: 2023-24 Program Summary

Our 2023 Principal Engagement Survey revealed that most of Chicago’s school leaders want more time to focus on curriculum and instructional leadership. In response, The Fund adapted its 2023-24 programs. We shifted program objectives, introduced new incentives to increase engagement and learning, and launched pilots in schools most affected by COVID-19. 

We value the opportunity to support school leaders in adopting innovative practices that address students’ social-emotional and academic needs, cultivate teacher-principal trust, and promote distributed leadership. Our 2023-24 Program Summary shows how our program offerings and partnerships empower 378 of Chicago’s aspiring principals, principals, and principal supervisors. View our interactive 2023-24 program map to see who we serve.

Student Demographics Data Definitions:

• Diverse Learners: Students who receive special education and related services per their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Economically Disadvantaged: Students from families whose income is within 185% of the federal poverty line. This number reflects the percentage of eligible students for free or reduced-price lunch meals.
• English Language Learners (ELLs): Students who come from non-English speaking homes and who are learning English. 
• Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS): Students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
• 90%+ Black or Latino/a/x Students: Schools where more than 90% of the student population identifies as Black or Latino/a/x. 

School Data Definitions:

• Teacher Retention: The three-year average percentage of full-time teachers returning to the same school year to year as shown on the 2022 ISBE state report card.
• % Budget Change (FY23 to FY24): Percent change in CPS school budget from FY23 ending budget data and FY24 proposed budget data.
• Priority Schools: Schools experiencing high churn or high student mobility, as defined in research from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and low culture and climate scores, as measured by the 5Essentials.