New Chicago ed center

The University of Chicago is creating a new institute to integrate and expand the school's various programs aimed at improving schools in big cities. The Urban Education Institute will open on July 1. Its focus will be education at the pre-K through 12th grade levels. So far, the university said foundations, corporations and individuals have donated $63 million to support the institute. It will be headed by Timothy Knowles, a former deputy superintendent in Boston Public Schools. He said the institute will integrate academic research and teacher preparation. The institute also will include under its umbrella the University of Chicago Charter School. The charter school runs four public schools on Chicago's South Side.