Who We Are

We are Parents & Residents Invested in School & Education Reform (PRISE Reform), a coalition of parents, students, grandparents, caretakers, residents, and community-organizing groups working together to amplify our voices on issues affecting education in Chicago Public Schools (CPS).  We are concerned about the state of high school restructuring, poor academic performance, school closings, enrollment restrictions, teacher quality, and overcrowding.  We utilize the tools of grassroots organizing, parent learning sessions, advocacy, and research to ensure that the community’s voice is included in decisions that affect public school in Chicago.

The PRISE Reform coalition includes the Westside Health Authority, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, People’s Development Association of Chicago, West Town Leadership United., and the TARGET Area Development Corporation,

Why We Are Here

Some school reform efforts on the West Side of Chicago have had a negative impact on local communities.  Many children have been forced to change schools, causing disruption in their home communities and in the communities that receive them. PRISE Reform believes that if parents and students are given a say in school reform decisions, these negative impacts could be lessened.

What We Are Doing Now

PRISE Reform is speaking to parents, residents, and community groups throughout the West Side of Chicago to uncover the community’s concerns regarding current school reform efforts.  PRISE Reform is also convening a series of meetings with education decision makers to provide a forum where parents, students, education leaders, and residents can voice their concerns and ideas with the goal of creating a reciprocal partnership around improving CPS secondary schools.

What We Plan to Accomplish

• Raise the voices of an informed group of parents of west-side students on the issue of Chicago school reform.
• Advocate for quality teaching, a better school environment, effective school reform initiatives, and improved parent and student involvement.
• Provide a forum where parents, students, and community members can access current information about a range of education concerns.
• Develop a vehicle for ongoing parent and student development and involvement in matters impacting local schools.

For More Information

To learn more about PRISE Reform, please contact Angelique Gordon at 773.651.6470 or agordon@targetarea.org.