St. Hilary School in Chicago was recently acknowledged by Renaissance Learning as a model of success for their students' achievements in both Reading and Math. The Accelerated Math program helps teachers personalize math practice, differentiate instruction, monitor progress, and make data-driven decisions to guide each student to success. Accelerated Reading, which has been popular for almost 25 years, is a powerful tool for monitoring and managing independent reading practice. Both programs have been implemented at all levels at St. Hilary's.
The certification process involved both students and teachers participating equally and the outcome was extraordinary with 11 Model Classroom (including 2 Master Classroom) Certifications through Accelerated Reader, 2 Model Classroom Certifications through Accelerated Math, and both Model Library and Model School status having been awarded.
"The certification process through AR and AM acknowledges the achievements of both teachers and students alike," said St. Hilary Principal, Kathie Donovan. "Teachers are motivated to encourage students onward in their educational journey, and students are self-motivated as they see endless possibilities. St. Hilary is truly committed to the programs and their successful implementation.
"With kids working on goals at their own level and not being compared to anyone else, they are more confident about contributing and being accountable to the overall group," said Mary Kay Donnelly, newly minted Master Certified AR and Model Certified AM teacher. "When goals are manageable, even the most reluctant students are willing to try."
Their hard work paid off in state testing, with students scoring well above national averages across all grade levels, and the average student in grade four ranking higher than 92 percent of the nation in reading and higher than 91 percent in math.
The certification process involved both students and teachers participating equally and the outcome was extraordinary with 11 Model Classroom (including 2 Master Classroom) Certifications through Accelerated Reader, 2 Model Classroom Certifications through Accelerated Math, and both Model Library and Model School status having been awarded.
"The certification process through AR and AM acknowledges the achievements of both teachers and students alike," said St. Hilary Principal, Kathie Donovan. "Teachers are motivated to encourage students onward in their educational journey, and students are self-motivated as they see endless possibilities. St. Hilary is truly committed to the programs and their successful implementation.
"With kids working on goals at their own level and not being compared to anyone else, they are more confident about contributing and being accountable to the overall group," said Mary Kay Donnelly, newly minted Master Certified AR and Model Certified AM teacher. "When goals are manageable, even the most reluctant students are willing to try."
Their hard work paid off in state testing, with students scoring well above national averages across all grade levels, and the average student in grade four ranking higher than 92 percent of the nation in reading and higher than 91 percent in math.
St. Hilary School is a Catholic elementary school located on the north side of Chicago, Illinois, nestled between the Budlong Woods, Arcadia Terrace and Lincolnwood neighborhoods. St. Hilary offers value-centered preschool, kindergarten and first grade through eighth grade education. For more information about the school or to schedule a tour, please call 773.561.5885.
