Recent reports indicate troubling developments in the education system of Chicago. More than 50 schools in the city have reported a zero percent proficiency rate in mathematics among students. This statistic raises concern about the quality of education and the challenges faced by students in achieving academic success.

On May 1, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, Stacy Davis Gates, President of CTU Local 1, addressed the crowd during the Nationwide May Day Strong Rally. She highlighted the need for public awareness and action to tackle the educational deficiencies in the city, particularly in mathematics.

The phrase “wicked problem” emerges frequently in social sciences to describe complex, seemingly intractable issues. In Chicago’s case, the dysfunctional aspects of its education system appear to be resistant to change due to those in power. Despite this, recent actions suggest that some progress is underway in destabilizing the political forces contributing to Chicago’s challenges.