Five D. 202 middle schools lauded for improved academic achievement
Five District 202 middle schools received 2007 Academic Achievement Awards from the Illinois State Board of Education, honoring the schools for significant improvement in their students' academic performance on state tests over the last two years.
Each school that was honored saw an increase of at least 7.5 points in the percent of its students who met or exceeded state learning standards from 2006 to 2007; or an increase of at least 15 points in the percent of students who met or exceeded state learning standards from 2005 to 2007; or a general upward trend in state test results.
Honored were:
l Drauden Point Middle School (1.4 point increase, 2006-2007; 19.9 point increase, 2005-2007; 83 percent meeting/exceeding overall in 2007)
l Heritage Grove Middle School (1.8 point increase, 2006-2007; 20.4 point increase, 2005-2007; 84.7 percent meeting/exceeding overall in 2007)
l Indian Trail Middle School (.7 point increase, 2006-2007; 15.6 point increase, 2005-2007; 82.3 percent meeting/exceeding overall in 2007)
l Ira Jones Middle School (6.9 point increase, 2006-2007; 29.7 point increase 2005-2007; 86.3 percent meeting/exceeding overall in 2007)
l Timber Ridge Middle School (1.7 point increase, 2006-2007; 18.8 point increase, 2005-2007; 79.5 percent meeting/exceeding overall in 2007)
"Congratulations to everyone involved in the hard work needed to achieve this honor," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Harper.
Two years ago, District 202 engaged in a five-year plan to create a school system in which every student can achieve his or her maximum potential. Numerous initiatives have been undertaken, including:
l developing and implementing a coordinated and articulated PreK-12 curriculum in all content areas, to eliminate curriculum "gaps" both between levels, and among schools at each level;
l developing and implementing a data-driven School Improvement Plan to meet state and federal learning requirements;
l increasing the rigor of the curriculum at all levels;
l increasing students' access to a more challenging curriculum;
l developing and implementing a systematic series of academic and behavioral interventions to help at-risk learners at each grade level.
"We are working hard to improve learning, teaching and academic achievement in each of our schools, and for all of our students," Harper said.