District 157-C sees significant gains in student academic growth

Recent test results for Frankfort School District 157-C show measurable improvement in student growth towards the Illinois Learning Standards when comparing 2015 and 2016 Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and Terra Nova scores. District 157-C uses a balanced assessment process for teaching and learning which includes the PARCC test, the Terra Nova test, teacher created-common assessments and day-to-day classroom performance.

Board President Gina Briese stated, “The Board of Education is extremely pleased with this year's PARCC test scores. It truly reflects the hard work the entire team has committed to the students of this district, from teachers to principals to administration. We look forward to further gains with the implementation of new technology and science standards.”

In the spring of 2015, Illinois students in grades three to eight participated in the new PARCC state assessment for the first time. The assessment measures the Illinois Learning Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. The PARCC assessment marked a significant change from the previous ISAT assessment. Students were asked to meet a higher bar to attain the skills and experiences that will be demanded in college and careers in the 21st Century. In every grade in District 157-C on the 2015 and 2016 PARCC achievement tests, the students performed above the state average.

The Illinois State Board of Education released the 2016 State Report Card on October 31, 2016 which included results of this year’s PARCC testing. District 157-C administered the computer-based assessment both years while in 2015 some districts used the paper/pencil version. In 2016 all school districts in the state were required to give the computer-based assessment, therefore, this is the first opportunity to effectively compare District 157-C performance to other districts.

In 2016, District 157-C students in grades three through eight performed in the top three percent of districts in Illinois for ELA and the top four percent for Math. In addition, out of all 26 school districts in Will County, District 157-C had the highest PARCC scores for ELA and Math combined, with 63 percent of students meeting or exceeding goals, while the state average was just 34 percent. The PARCC scores for District 157-C for all students in Math improved 13 points, going from 46 percent last year to 59 percent this year, well above the state average of 31 percent. In ELA students improved nine points, going from 58 percent last year to 67 percent this year, well above the state average of 36 percent.

District 157-C’s local assessment, the Terra Nova Achievement Test and InView Ability Test, showed a 12 point jump in students reaching their potential in math, going from 58 percent in 2015 to 70 percent this year. In reading, students had a six point improvement, going from 63 percent in 2015 to 69 percent in 2016.

District 157-C Superintendent Dr. Maura J. Zinni stated, “We are very pleased with the growth our students experienced on these assessments and know this only happens as a result of the strong partnership we share with our parents, teachers and school leaders. In this age of accountability, the attention is often placed on the final score, however, we know there is much more that goes into educating our children than what a test score might reveal. We will never lose sight of all that goes into helping our students reach their maximum potential.”

Since 2010 when the new Math and ELA standards were adopted, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence has been working with the administrators and teachers to develop and implement a plan to transition to the higher rigor of the new Illinois Learning Standards. Ongoing professional development is provided to the teachers and staff to support them in their efforts towards continuous student growth. Last year the district implemented four new Teacher Leaders. Working one-on-one directly with the teachers, they provide invaluable resources for best practices. This is showing great success. Teachers are more confident in the classroom and can ask for support anytime they need additional information or coaching. Mrs. McClarence stated, “This job-embedded professional development on a daily basis through training by a teacher’s colleague is invaluable. I don’t know if we would have had this level of student growth without it. It is really the hallmark of a high-functioning team. The support of the District Office, the Principal’s vision for each school and ongoing available support through co-teaching in a trusted relationship really makes for great results in the classroom.”

Both the Illinois State Report Card for District 157-C and the Student Achievement Data Presentation with overall test scores, including graphs of the data, can be found on the “Reporting” tab of the District 157-C website, www.fsd157c.org.