Chicago's Military Academies Raise Education Debate

Elizabeth Brackett:

JUDY WOODRUFF: Now, using public school military academies to teach leadership and boost test scores in low-income urban neighborhoods. NewsHour correspondent Elizabeth Brackett of WTTW-Chicago has our report.

ELIZABETH BRACKETT, NewsHour Correspondent: The cadets at the Marine Military Academy in Chicago listen up as commands are given. One hundred and twenty eight students attend the new school, the fifth in the Chicago public school system to adopt a military model.

The program is led by Retired Lieutenant Colonel Rick Mills.

RICK MILLS, Chicago Public Schools: The purpose of the military academy programs is to offer our cadets and parents an educational choice among many choices in Chicago public schools and to provide an educational experience that has a college prep curriculum, combined with a military curriculum.

ELIZABETH BRACKETT: Over 10,000 Chicago high school students now wear a military uniform to class.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at December 30, 2007 12:00 AM
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