2008 Academic Improvement Awards
The 2008 Academic Improvement Awards honor 153 schools for substantial gains in performance over the last several years. The awards range across all levels from schools where 40% of students are meeting the Illinois Learning Standards to schools where 99% are meeting standards.
Located throughout the state, the award winners represent every type of school - large and small; elementary, middle, and high schools; both regular and charter schools; all funding levels; urban, suburban, and rural; low performing and high performing. Research is not yet available to explain the steep drop in the number of awards this year.
See Billman, Mission Possible, for Illinois principals' stories on how they lead dramatic gains in academic performance.
FACTS ABOUT 2008 ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT AWARDS SCHOOLS
Total Number by Year
School Types
Academic Improvement Awards acknowledge substantial progress at any level. Scores on state tests are distributed along a range from 40% meeting or exceeding standards to 99% passing the state tests. The median score was 71% of students meeting or exceeding standards, which is above the state average.
State and Federal Status
The majority (72%) of Academic Improvement Award schools made Adequate Yearly Progress this year. By making AYP, these schools are earning release from the sanctions currently imposed by the state and federal designations listed below.
- Academic Early Warning Status (10)
- Academic Watch Status (50)
- Restructuring & Restructuring Implementation (47)
- Choice (6)
- Choice SES (2)
Low-Income Enrollment ("Low-income" is designated by eligibility for free and reduced lunch.)
- 107 schools enroll more than 50% low-income students.
- 28 schools enroll 25-50% low-income students.
- 18 schools enroll 0-25% low-income students.
Geographic Distribution of 153 Academic Improvement Awards
Repeat Winners
Schools that continue to improve at least 7.5% in performance year after year deserve a special round of applause. In 2008, Abbott Middle School, Elgin, and Williamsfield Middle School, Williamsfield, won the Academic Improvement Award for a fourth time.
24 schools won the Academic Improvement Award for a third time, and 39 schools won the award in both 2007 and 2008.
Double Winners
- 44 Schools earned both Spotlight Schools and Academic Improvement Awards.
Districts with 4 or More Improvement Awards
