Downers Grove District 99 Misses the Mark on AYP

Recent information released in 2013 state report cards show that both Downers Grove North and South High Schools fell short of Adequate Yearly Progress standards.

State targets for reading and math standards are set at 92.5 of all juniors meeting or exceeding reading and math standards on the Prairie State Achievement Test. At Downers Grove North, only 75.5 percent of all students met or exceeded the reading standards, and 76.5 percent met or exceeded the math standards. At South, only 69.6 percent of students met or exceeded reading standards, and 70.1 percent met or exceeded math standards, according to Gina Ziccardi, assistant superintendent for student learning.

However, Ziccardi noted that districtwide, one subgroup—white students—made AYP in reading and two subgroups—Asian and white students—made AYP in math. For the Class of 2014, every subgroup increased the percent of students that met or exceeded standards in reading.

Also, black students that met or exceeded standards increased by 15.3 percent, and economically disadvantaged students that met or exceeded standards increased by 12.9 percent.

District officials were also encouraged by the slight increase in ACT scores, which was 22.9, up .1 percent from 2012, and above the state average of 20.6.

District officials said they’ll continue to provide additional academic support, including Algebra Assist, Summer Bridge, Back on Track Math and STRIVE. New this year, the district is offering supplemental educational services as a requirement for Title 1 funds; the district receives Title 1 funding, and so is required to make AYP as defined by the federal government. Nearly 30 companies are tutoring support for more than 100 students, officials said.

“Our report card is positive, but we know performance expectations continue to rise,” Ziccardi said. “In an effort to boost student learning, we will continue to encourage students to challenge themselves with more rigorous classes—and keep providing them with the help they need.  Whether it’s offering extra help with math before, during or after school, identifying incoming freshmen who may benefit from an academic head start in our summer program or providing college readiness courses to students ‘in the middle’ academically, our mission is to ensure that all students grow academically.”

See the full report online.