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 In
order to earn a designation of Exemplary, a school must exhibit test
scores in the top 10 percent of the state and have no
underperforming student groups.
The grade school has improved scores on the Illinois Assessment
Readiness exam during each of the last three years, doubling the
percentage of language arts students meeting and exceeding while
also improving students meeting and exceeding in math by 14 percent.
Mt. Pulaski Grade School is one of four grade schools out of 98 in a
five-county region (Logan, Sangamon, Macon, Dewitt and Menard) and
the only school in Logan County to receive the designation of
Exemplary. Other grade schools included Maroa-Forysth,
Tri-City and Williamsville. MPGS has previously had a designation of
Commendable during the last five school years.
When MPGS Principal Mrs. Danielle Lora was asked what
she would attest the improvement to, she stated “This is a result of
the hard work of the students and teachers during the last four
years! Our grade school teachers have spent a great deal of time
revamping the English/Language Arts and Math curriculum. While we
didn’t expect to see this designation, we weren’t surprised by
receiving the distinction. We have worked very hard to improve our
instructional strategies and focus on student improvement. We are
very proud!”
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Mt. Pulaski High School received
one rating below Exemplary, a Commendable designation. MPHS has
held the Commendable Designation for each of the last six school
years. When comparing the Toppers to public high schools in a
five county region, MPHS is in the top 10 of all schools with
average 2023 SAT scores, ranking 9th out of 26 high schools.
Other schools in the top ten include Hartsburg-Emden, Mt. Zion,
Glenwood, Maroa-Forsyth, Williamsville, Pleasant Plains,
Rochester, New Berlin and Athens.
The MPHS staff has devoted a good portion of their
yearly professional development to focus on expanding instructional
strategies and improving the high school curriculum through the
growth of dual credit classes. Mrs. Fricke reports that the high
school now hosts 8 different dual credit classes that allow students
to earn college credit through their coursework at the high school.
Students who take full advantage of the dual credit classes could
leave high school with nearly two semesters of college credit under
their belts. Five years ago, Mt. Pulaski offered just three dual
credit classes. This is a credit to collaboration amongst
administration, teachers, and counselors with local colleges to
achieve the needed accreditation to offer the course work.
While many strategies and efforts must come together to allow such
improvements in our school district, Superintendent Lamkey points
out the effort of both schools in implementing School Improvement
Planning has made it all possible. He goes on to say, “The support
the district has received in the Strategic Planning Process has
offered the necessary guidance for our schools to create School
Improvement Plans that meet not only the needs of the students, but
also those of the community. We are seeking to Inspire, Engage and
Empower our students for their future successes!”
[Sarah Farris] |
