Grayslake schools find out what's working

Grayslake Elementary District 46's schools have been examined by an outside consultant in an effort for leaders to learn what's working and where improvement is needed.

Bart Teal, founder of North Carolina-based Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Inc., led the effort. Teal's private organization is modeled after the federal government's No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools program.

In a presentation to the District 46 board Monday night, Teal said he was especially impressed by Prairieview School, on Route 120 in Hainesville, which serves about 550 pupils children in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.

Despite tight financial resources, Teal said, Prairieview delivers a quality education program.

Teal said the first thing he noticed Monday was how engaged Prairieview's students were in the classrooms. He said that's what he typically looks for first when evaluating a school.

Carefully designed lesson plans and energized teachers were among the other hallmarks of Prairieview, said Teal.

"These (Prairieview) teachers are absolutely cutting-edge," he said. "Some of the best I've seen in the United States."

As she listened to Teal's presentation, District 46 board member Mary Garcia said she was saddened to hear from Teal that the schools are lacking in technology. She said money is at a premium in the Grayslake district and that there is a five-year technology plan.

Teal said updated technology would make teachers more efficient.

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence is in the business of pinpointing the academic and instructional strengths and weaknesses in schools. The consulting firm collects information anonymously from parents, teachers, students and others as part of the process.