1
- What current plans does your district have to improve student achievement?
J. Sterling Morton High School
District created a Three-Year Curriculum and Instruction plan in October of 2008. We are currently in our second year
of implementation of the Three-Year Plan. The focus of the plan centers around building capacity of our instructional
staff of sound instructional practices, developing a rigorous and aligned curriculum to Illinois State Standard, and gathering
and using student achievement and behavioral data.
2 – Briefly summarize three factors unique
to your district that inhibit student performance?
J. Sterling Morton High School District is a large
district of over 8500 students and 500 staff. This organization is met with financial challenges, facility challenges,
and an ever changing administrative staff, which all directly impact student achievement.
3 – What successes
do you see reflected in recent scores?
When looking at our scores collectively, one would not see gains in academic achievement.
However, last year we made over a 5% gain in reading across the district.
4 – How has your
district engaged the community in improving the district and what are you doing to make your schools a more attractive educational
option for residents?
The district has made a commitment to readily share information regarding its financial prognosis
and student progress with the communities from where our students live. We just recently shared our test scores and
school improvement plans with Board of Education and community, a practice that has not been employed in the past.
We attempt to publicize all of the many good things that students do in our district both at board meetings and via our
website. For example, the Morton West Marching Band was one of three chosen high school bands to participate in the
Million Lights Parade down Michigan Avenue. Many of our activities whether athletic or academic allow students to compete
in state-wide and national competitions. We have had several teachers be nationally recognized for excellence in teaching.
5
– In 25 words or less, please summarize your vision for the future of your school district.
The vision for
the future of District 201 is financial stability and student achievement, but will only be accomplished by a commitment from
all stakeholders.
