Illinois School Report Card

Assessment data shows Western Avenue and Heather Hill in top 10-percent in the state:

FLOSSMOOR, ILLINOIS – Oct. 30, 2019 – Flossmoor School District 161’s state ratings continue to trend upward with two of its five schools being named in the top 10-percent in the state. Heather Hill Elementary School and Western Avenue Elementary School both received “Exemplary” summative designations on the annual Illinois State Report Card, earning exclusive status as top Illinois schools.

In addition to earning exemplary status for the two schools, District 161’s remaining schools all earned “Commendable” ratings. According to the state data, a commendable rating or higher indicates that there are no underperforming student groups indicated. This year’s report card reveals that students across District 161 are demonstrating growth and proficiency at an increasing rate.

“This is a huge accomplishment for our entire District and especially for the students, teachers and administrators at Heather Hill and Western Avenue,” said Dr. Dana Smith, Superintendent. “To be recognized in the top 10-percent of all schools out of more than 3,000 public schools in the state is an incredible achievement.”

The progress of Western Avenue and Heather Hill to improve to Exemplary, and Parker’s advancement to Commendable after an Underperforming rating last year, reflects the District’s investment in elevating its educational standards and meeting the needs of all students.

The annual Illinois Report Card provides a detailed look at each school’s progress from year to year by measuring growth in academics, student success, school culture and climate, financial investments and chronic absenteeism.

“I am proud to be part of a community that values its children, and education in general, at such a high level,” said Smith. “I am thankful for the hard work of our staff, administrators, and Board of Education members in creating a school district that puts the needs of children first. While we still have areas that we want to improve, this indicator demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction and for that, we should all be proud.”

For more information about the Illinois State Report Card and the summative designations, visit www.illinoisreportcard.com or www.sd161.org.