LTHS Can 'Bump Up' Students Of Color: Official

LA GRANGE, IL – Lyons Township High School historically has worked with middle schools to identify 40 to 50 low-income incoming freshmen a year and make class recommendations on their behalf, the principal said earlier this month.

The idea is to "bump up" identified students into honors classes where they may not have been placed otherwise, Principal Jennifer Tyrrell told the school board.

These students have similarities in performance to students with families who have requested higher-level classes, she said.

This year, the high school has expanded the historical practice to students of color, Tyrrell said.

"We're identifying students who are here with us who we believe and who teachers believe and who people who have worked with the students believe they can do it," she said. "They can be successful in an AP course, but we know that we have to continue to do that upon entry into LT to make a difference from initial placement."