Illinois Spotlight Schools
1 of 425 schools in Illinois, 1 of 81 schools in Chicago

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, 425 Spotlight Schools earned honors in this year.  These schools exhibit achievements that are contrary to the conventional wisdom that test scores will reflect demographics despite local efforts.

Criteria for selecting Spotlight Schools are rigorous.  All schools must be making Adequate Yearly Progress.  At least half the students are from low-income families and in 2009, at least 70% must be passing the state achievement tests in both reading and mathematics.  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.

Academic Improvement Award
1 of 147 schools in Illinois, 1 of 49 schools in Chicago

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 students are meeting the Illinois Learning Standards to schools where 97% 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; and low performing and high performing.  They demonstrate that exemplary progress is possible at every level and can be sustained.

Visit www.ilhonorroll.niu.edu for additional information regarding the Illinois Honor Roll.