School Status
Schools meeting the requirements for AYP are "in compliance." On IIRC, the following indicators indicate school status:
 or Yes |
School meets AYP Requirements |
 or No |
School did not meet AYP requirements for 2003 |
 |
Spotlight Schools Spotlight Schools are 27 high poverty, high performing schools recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education and Northern Illinois University. |
Spotlight Schools
The Illinois State Board of Education gives the honorary designation "Spotlight schools" to high poverty, high performing
schools that excel in closing the achievement gap. In 2003, the first year of this program, 27 schools in Illinois achieved
"Spotlight Schools" status.
Criteria for selecting these schools are rigorous. All schools must be making "Adequate Yearly Progress." At least half
the students are from low-income families, at least 60% must have passed the state reading and math tests in 2003, and at
least 50% must have passed in 2002. Located throughout the state in urban, suburban, and rural locations, the Spotlight
Schools exhibit achievements that are contrary to the conventional wisdom that test scores will reflect demographics
despite local efforts. They demonstrate that low-income students and schools with limited resources can show impressive
academic performance. To learn more, see www.p20.niu.edu/p20/spotlightschools/