Morrison Southside School Principal Joe Robbins received a lettter and certificate from the Illinois State Board of Education, dated April 2014, that brought a commendation to “you and all your staff for all the hard work required to help students demonstrate academic improvement over the last three years.”
Southside, located at 100 Academic Drive, Morrison, IL, serves students in grades three through five. It qualified for the Academic Improvement Award–2013 Illinois Honor Roll. Across the State, 125 schools have posted substantial academic gains.
“These schools demonstrate that exemplary progress is possible at every level and can be sustained,” wrote State Superintendent of Education, Christopher A. Koch, Ed.D. “We encourage you to celebrate your success and share the good news with students, parents, and all community partners. Please extend my congratulations to your faculty and families for this accomplishment.”
The criteria for Academic Improvement Awards in 2013 are substantial:
- show improvement of at least 7.5 points in State test scores in both reading and mathematics between 2012 and 2013 OR
- show improvement of at least 15 points in State test scores in both reading and mathematics between 2011 and 2013 AND
- show an upward trend in State test scores.
The Illinois Honor Roll program recognizes three types of improving and excellent schools with awards. The Academic Improvement Award is one. Criteria for these awards are found at the program’s website, along with a list of 2013 winners. One page is devoted to Southside School.