Very little difference separated scores among four schools in Western Springs Elementary District 101, and all results soared above state averages on Illinois’ new standardized test.
“We are most pleased that our scores were tight,” said Superintendent Brian Barnhart. “We know that McClure Junior High and Forest Hills Elementary ranked in the top 50 for math. That’s good.”
About 70 percent or more of students at each school met or exceeded English and math requirements on The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career tests administered in two sessions in the spring.
Statewide, 38 percent of students met English standards, and 28 percent made the grade in math, according to the Illinois Report Card website.
PARCC replaces the Illinois State Achievement Test for 3rd through 8th graders. The new test is nationally normed and designed to measure more rigorous Common Core standards in English and math. Online versions contain a video or PowerPoint component students are asked to compare and analyze with text passages.
Barnhart said district officials are pleased particularly with math scores
“Our range of math scores by building don’t vary more than by about 2.5 percent,” he said. “Kids in one part of town have the same quality experience as another.”
After incorporating Common Core standards several years ago, the district adopted even more rigorous standards with teacher input to better prepare students, the superintendent said.
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“In the end, it’s about our kids. They like school and they take it seriously,” he said. “Our families are unbelievable supportive. It’s a combined effort.”
Barnhart said educators also were pleased that few students scored in the lowest two of five categories for not meeting or partially meeting expectations. All students will be assisted to do better, he said.
“We’ve got opportunities. We want those numbers to be much higher than the 70s. This is a starting point,” he said. “We can do a lot better.”
The district consistently scored in the mid- to high 90s on ISAT exams. Although the tests can’t be compared, there is room for growth, he said.
Administering the tests in the spring posed few problems for the district, other than some concern expressed about the amount of time for testing instead of instruction, Barnhart said.
“One thing that has to get better is the turnaround time. PARCC provides information about our learners and their higher thinking skills,” he said. “When we get the full results in December, it’s not nearly as usable. I’m sure they’ll get better.”
Individual students’ scores were sent home to families this week, and district results were expected to be posted on the district’s website following a board meeting and discussion Dec. 14, Barnhart said.
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