Scott Elementary School
is named a
2008 Illinois Spotlight School
The Illinois State Board of Education recognizes Spotlight Schools—high poverty schools where high academic performance is closing the "achievement gap." Located throughout the state in urban, suburban, and rural locations, 499 Spotlight Schools earned honors in this year. They exhibit achievements that are contrary to the conventional wisdom that test scores will reflect demographics despite local efforts.
Criteria for selecting these schools are rigorous. All schools must be making Adequate Yearly Progress. All Spotlight Schools meet the following criteria:
* At least 50% of students in the schools are reported as being from low income families in 2008.
* At least 60% of students met or exceeded standards in both reading and mathematics in 2008.
* At least 50% of students met or exceeded standards in both reading and mathematics in two previous years (2007 and 2006).
* Made Adequate Yearly Progress in the two previous years as required by No Child Left Behind, which in 2008, meant the following:
• At least 62.5% meeting and exceeding standards in both reading and mathematics
• 95% participation rate in state assessments for all students and each subgroup
• Attendance rate of at least 90% for elementary and middle schools and graduation rate of at least 75% for high schools
The Spotlight Schools demonstrate that low-income students and schools with limited resources can show impressive academic performance. These schools know how to help all students succeed.