Chicago at the Crossroads: Lessons for Leaders on School Integration and Advancing Public Education Equity (Integration Now: Episode 2)

Integration Now explores how history continues to shape today's integration challenges and what we can do to advance more equitable outcomes for our students. This podcast is hosted by Dr. Kathleen King Thorius from the Center for Education Equity (CEE) at MAEC, home to the Regions I and III Equity Assistance Centers. Chicago’s schools have a long history of segregation, school choice policies, and privatization: how do these patterns shape opportunities for integration today? This episode draws from Chicago’s history to offer school leaders practical lessons on advancing equitable opportunities and outcomes across student race, sex, national origin, and religion. Listen to learn how Equity Assistance Centers (EACs) can partner with districts to analyze data, address barriers, and implement inclusive strategies. Featuring Dr. Federico Waitoller, former Region 3 EAC Equity Fellow and leading scholar on inclusive education at University of Illinois Chicago, the conversation connects historical insights to actionable strategies for today’s schools.