A number of national organizations, such as U.S. Department of Education and Education Trust, have identified high poverty, high performing schools. ISBE's criteria are among the most rigorous.
All Spotlight Schools meet the following criteria:
- At least 50% low-income in 2006;
- At least 60% of students met or exceeded standards in both reading and mathematics in 2006;
- At least 50% of students met or exceeded standards in both reading and mathematics in 2004 and 2005;
- Made Adequate Yearly Progress in 2005 and 2006 as required by No Child Left Behind. In 2006, this meant
- At least 47.5% meeting and exceeding standards in both reading and mathematics
- 95% participation rate in state assessments for all students and each subgroup
- Attendance rate of at least 89% for elementary and middle schools and graduation rate of at least 69% for high schools
|