2009 Academic Improvement Awards
The 2009 Academic Improvement Awards honor 147 schools for substantial gains in performance over the last several years. The awards range across all levels from schools where 20% of the students are meeting the Illinois Learning Standards to schools where 97% are meeting standards. The median state test score for these schools was 69%, which is above the state average.
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; and low performing and high performing. They demonstrate that exemplary progress is possible at every level and can be sustained.
See Billman, Mission Possible, for Illinois principals' stories on how they lead dramatic gains in academic performance.
FACTS ABOUT 2009 ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT AWARDS
Total Number by Year
School Types
State and Federal Status
Almost 50% of Academic Improvement Award schools made Adequate Yearly Progress this year, a smaller percentage than in recent years when the AYP requirements were lower. By making AYP, these schools are earning release from the sanctions currently imposed by the state and federal designations listed below.
- Choice (6)
- Choice SES (2)
- Corrective (3)
- Academic Early Warning Status (19)
- Academic Watch Status (54)
- Restructuring & Restructuring Implementation (44)
Low-Income Enrollment ("Low-income" is designated by eligibility for free or reduced lunch.)
- 96 schools enroll more than 50% low-income students.
- 24 schools enroll 25-50% low-income students.
- 27 schools enroll 0-25% low-income students.
Geographic Distribution of 147 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. Three schools won a fourth time.
13 schools won the award in both 2008 and 2009.
Double Winners
- 30 schools earned both Spotlight Schools and Academic Improvement Awards.
Districts with 4 or More Improvement Awards in 2009
