The Magnet Cluster Initiative Web Institute for Teachers

WIT 2004

Click here to visit the Magnet Cluster WIT instructional web site.

The Magnet Cluster Initiative at the Office of Academic Enhancement in the Chicago Public Schools is working with the University of Chicago's Web Institute for Teachers to offer the second annual muWIT program.

Click here for application materials.

Tuition for participants will be paid by a special grant from the Chicago Public Schools Office of Academic Enhancement. For more information about the Office of Academic Enhancement, please contact magnetprograms@cps.k12.il.us.

Participants will work in subject-area teams to develop web resources that can be used in magnet cluster schools throughout the city. Resources to be developed will emphasize the importance of critical thinking, problem posing, and problem solving within each subject area. Programs to be represented include:

• math/science
• fine and performing arts
• world language
• literature and writing
• International Baccalaureate
• International CPS Scholars Program

About four teachers from each program will be admitted.

The program will run from July 6 to July 23 from 1 pm to 5 pm Monday through Friday, at the CPS Medill Professional Development Center. There will also be required follow-up workshops in late September, late November, and late February of the following academic year.

Application materials are only available online. The application deadline has been extended. The application process is still open!

For this section, we are especially interested in receiving applications from teachers with a strong background in curriculum development and the improvement of teaching and learning. Technical prerequisites include regular use of email and an Internet-connected computer in your home. Participants must be certified in the subject and grade levels that they teach, and must be recommended by their principal or other supervisor.

Contact Craig Cunningham, WIT director, for more information: c-cunningham@uchicago.edu or 773-702-4885.

You can find out if your school is in a magnet cluster by visiting here.

What are magnet cluster schools?

Magnet cluster schools are neighborhood schools with magnet programs that primarily focus on one of six academic areas: math/science, fine and performing arts, world language, literature and writing, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, and the International CPS Scholars Program. Most clusters consist of 4-6 elementary schools, and all cluster programs integrate computer technology into the curriculum. The goal of each school's magnet program is to accelerate student learning in the area of focus. Collectively, clusters of schools provide students with access to a set of high quality programs in their neighborhood. In addition, students may have the opportunity to participate in early involvement programs and gain high school credit in the school's area of focus while they are in the eighth grade.