After hearing mostly good news when discussing results from state and national spring assessments, the Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education discussed goals to significantly boost student academic achievement and reduce chronic absenteeism over the next three to five years. 

A core component of the plan targets academic proficiency across English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science. The district aims for at least 80% of students to meet or exceed state standards on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness for ELA and Math and the Illinois Science Assessment. Specific benchmarks include 80% of kindergarteners reading on or above grade level by the end of third grade, maintaining proficiency through eighth grade, and similar goals for math and science.

“There’s a good probability that’s going to say 90% the next time you see this document,” Board Member Michael Rouse said. “That is a state objective to have schools at 90% [by 2033]. If we are looking to be leaders and be transformative, we have to embrace that goal as long as we feel like we’re in a position to achieve it.”

Board members also discussed plans to reduce chronic absenteeism to 10% or less within the same three-to-five-year timeframe. “You can’t get 90% proficiency if you have a chronic absenteeism problem, so you have to address absenteeism to make that 90% realistic,” Rouse said.

Spring assessment data indicated several positive trends, with scores improving in many areas. Director of Learning and Instruction, Amabel Crawford, attributed some of the improvements to a strong focus on standards-based grading. Last year was the first year standards-based instruction was adopted district-wide.

Assessments of eighth-grade students showed significant gains across math, ELA, and science. The district plans to continue focusing on grades 3-5 ELA and math proficiency to support student success at Parker Junior High. Improvements in student conduct also led to fewer expulsions and suspensions.

Crawford said a partnership with Amercorp’s City Year program contributed positively to Parker’s attendance levels and overall school environment. City Year team members worked with over 120 students in grades 6-8 to provide in-class support and assist with instruction and student support. 

Administrators asked the board to consider extending the City Year partnership for the 2025-26 school year.