Two Dist. 21 schools fall short on state test

They didn't keep up the perfect score from last year, but Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 had 10 of its 12 schools with passing scores on state report cards.

Whitman Elementary School did not make adequate yearly progress in math, and Holmes Middle School didn't make the scores in reading.

At Whitman, the Hispanic, limited-English-proficient and economically disadvantaged subgroups did not make passing scores. The limited-English and students with disabilities did not meet the requirements at Holmes.

This year, 55 percent of the subgroups -- comprised of at least 45 students -- had to meet or exceed standards to make the adequate yearly progress, or AYP. Last year, that score was at 47.5 percent.

Janelle Hockett, director of curriculum, said the district as a whole has seen an increase in math scores since last year and either a slight decrease or steady scores in reading.

School board member Phil Pritzker said he was concerned about the decrease in reading scores. Member Rich Rosen suggested coordinating reading programs with the library.

But Superintendent Gary Mical said the district doesn't have a reading problem because the decrease isn't very large and scores are still fairly high.

The schools will still be working on focused programs to raise scores, especially in schools and subgroups that failed.

For example, one of the programs looks at incorporating math into other subjects, such as art and physical education.

District 21 is still refusing Title I funding from the government, which is tied to the state test scores and the No Child Left Behind act.

The district decided to refuse that funding in 2005. Last year, three schools received Academic Improvement Awards for the drastic increase in their test scores.

Board President Bill Harrison said the district still wants to improve those scores but didn't want to have to do it on the government's terms.

"I'm satisfied that we're working on consistently improving," Harrison said.