Two District 135 Schools Make Illinois Honor Roll

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Northern Illinois University (NIU) announced two schools from District 135 made the Illinois Honor Roll for their continued academic progress or excellence. Of the 454 schools that made the list, Centennial and Prairie Schools of Orland School District 135 were two that received Academic Excellence Awards.

Centennial School had made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) in 2011 and 2012 with 99% of Centennial students meeting or exceeding ISAT (Illinois Standards achievement Test) state standards. Prairie School also made AYP for both 2011 and 2012 with 97% of their students meeting or exceeding ISAT standards.

District 135 Director of Curriculum Dr. Paul Howell said, “The success of our schools is based upon the efforts of our staff, parent and community involvement, assessment review and providing a positive and supportive learning environment.”

Northern Illinois University works with ISBE to establish criteria identify winners of the awards and administer the Illinois Honor Roll. The Academic Excellence criteria require that 90% of elementary students meet or exceed standards on state tests. Furthermore, these schools must demonstrate excellence for at least consecutive three years.

Each award has unique criteria that best reflect the diverse circumstances of Illinois schools. The 2012 Honor Roll roster includes elementary, middle and high schools, including charter schools, and represents 293 public school districts statewide.