Principals from the district’s schools updated the board on school improvement plans (SIPs) on Nov. 11, highlighting a common focus on school climate, small‑group instruction and standards‑based grading as levers for student growth.

Parker, Western Avenue, Flossmoor Hills, Heather Hill and Serena Hills principals described parallel strategies: reinforce PBIS and restorative practices to improve safety and student agency; implement consistent standards‑based proficiency scales and data talks; schedule targeted WIN (intervention) blocks and small‑group instruction guided by common formative assessments (e.g., IXL) and MAP data; and expand teacher peer observations (teacher rounds) and PLCs.

District staff told the board that last year’s reductions in chronic absenteeism and improved student growth were major contributors to improved summative designations from the Illinois State Board of Education. Heather Hill earned an exemplary rating (top ~10% statewide) after gains in growth, proficiency and sharp reductions in chronic absenteeism; Parker also registered a notable rise in its summative score. District leaders stressed that growth remains the main driver of summative scores and cautioned that a ceiling effect will make future growth harder as proficiency rises.

Principals and district leaders said standards‑based grading has moved from a learning curve into consistent classroom practice, with students increasingly able to articulate learning targets and monitor their progress. Several principals noted implementation has improved across staff and that parents have been receptive.

Next steps: district administration will return in January with the next round of SIP updates and winter assessment data, and continue focusing on consistent instructional practices across schools to sustain growth.