Fewer failing grades reported in Dist. 214

Fewer District 214 high schoolers earned D's and F's this fall compared to the fall of 2006, officials reported at Thursday's Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school board meeting.

The number of D's and F's earned by District 214 high schoolers in the first semester of 2007 compared to the first semester of 2006 decreased by almost 14 percent, said Superintendent David Schuler.

In other words, 1,400 fewer D's and F's were given out. The biggest drop -- 23 percent -- came at Elk Grove High School. In the fall of 2006, 1,759 D's and F's were given out at Elk Grove compared to 1,349 this fall.

"This is not because of grade inflation," Schuler said "We are catching students before they fall and getting them help. We don't think a 15-year-old has the right to fail."

Some schools offer weekend tutoring, while others call parents when a student gets a failing grade, Schuler said.

In addition, the number of students taking at least one Advanced Placement class increased by almost 30 percent this fall, Schuler said.

District 214 enrollment in Advanced Placement classes went from 11,422 last fall to 14,688 this fall, Schuler said.

Once again, Elk Grove High School showed the biggest gain with 956 more students taking an advanced class. In the fall of 2006, 1,658 students took an Advanced Placement class compared to 2,614 this fall.

Increases in Advanced Placement enrollment at other District 214 schools varied from 88 to 694, according Schuler's report.

Students who take at least one Advanced Placement class in high school have a better chance of graduating from college on time, Schuler said.

The decrease in failing grades and increase in Advanced Placement class participation were goals the school board set in August.