Post by concerned2 on Apr 14, 2008 12:02:57 GMT -6
Indian Prairie officials announced that three of the five middle schools in Illinois being recognized as exceptional are District 204 schools. Granger, Gregory, and Hill Middle Schools received the prestigious "Schools to Watch" award from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
District 204's three middle schools are among 47 high performing schools across the country meeting the strict requirements necessary to receive this national honor. Schools were selected for academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents, and a commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels. In addition, schools must have strong leadership, teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instructions, and a commitment to assessment and accountability to bring about continuous improvement.
Participating schools complete a written application as the first phase of the screening process. Schools that appear to meet the criteria were visited by teams who interviewed administrators, teachers, and parents, and looked at achievement data, suspension rates, quality of lessons, and student work.
Dr. John Harrison, Chair for the National Forum's Schools to Watch Committee stated, "These schools demonstrate that high-performing middle schools have a clear focus on academic growth and achievement. They also recognize the importance of meeting the needs of all of their students and ensuring that each and every child has access to a rigorous, high-quality education. We are proud to have these schools serve as models."
Dr. Stephen Daeschner, Indian Prairie Superintendent added, "We are very proud of all of our middle schools, especially Granger, Gregory, and Hill for receiving this recognition. To have three of only five middle school recognized from the entire state is quite an honor."
District 204's three middle schools are among 47 high performing schools across the country meeting the strict requirements necessary to receive this national honor. Schools were selected for academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents, and a commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels. In addition, schools must have strong leadership, teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instructions, and a commitment to assessment and accountability to bring about continuous improvement.
Participating schools complete a written application as the first phase of the screening process. Schools that appear to meet the criteria were visited by teams who interviewed administrators, teachers, and parents, and looked at achievement data, suspension rates, quality of lessons, and student work.
Dr. John Harrison, Chair for the National Forum's Schools to Watch Committee stated, "These schools demonstrate that high-performing middle schools have a clear focus on academic growth and achievement. They also recognize the importance of meeting the needs of all of their students and ensuring that each and every child has access to a rigorous, high-quality education. We are proud to have these schools serve as models."
Dr. Stephen Daeschner, Indian Prairie Superintendent added, "We are very proud of all of our middle schools, especially Granger, Gregory, and Hill for receiving this recognition. To have three of only five middle school recognized from the entire state is quite an honor."
