Homer Glen superintendent talks about progress
HOMER GLEN -- Every year, schools across the state receive school report cards from the state board of education that contain everything from standardized test scores to the percentage of low-income students.
For the districts that made adequate yearly progress under the No Child Left Behind Act, happiness was met with caution. A high score this year requires an even higher score next year, and that includes scores for subgroups, such as students with disabilities.
The SouthtownStar, sister paper of The Herald News, talked to Superintendent J. Michel Morrow of the Homer School District to find out how his district made it happen:
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you made adequate yearly progress?
A: Obviously, I was pleased that our schools achieved AYP status. The district has worked hard to provide learning opportunities that support the achievement of all of our students.
Q: What does making AYP mean to you?
A: It means that the effort our teachers put into planning and teaching lessons and the involvement of parents is resulting in higher student achievement. It also reflects the effort our students put into their school work.
Q: What is the secret to your success?
A: The secret is really not a secret. Homer 33C enjoys academic success because the board of education, teachers, parents and students recognize and value the importance of education.
Q: Did you make any specific changes aimed at maintaining AYP?
A: The district has become more effective at providing standards-based learning opportunities for all students. Academic standards are the basis for AYP criteria, so emphasizing standards-based learning gives all students a greater chance to meet escalating AYP expectations.
Q: How accurate of a reflection are the school report cards and specifically AYP?
A: The report card is a snapshot in time that, combined with other assessment measurements, helps us continue to provide instruction that supports continuous academic improvement.
Q: Will your focus change at all when President-elect Obama takes office?
A: No. The effort to provide good teaching and meaningful learning opportunities is not contingent on presidential politics.
