Seniors earn tailgate party for high PSAE scores
 |
 Results of last spring's Prairie State Achievement Exam were released earlier this week, showing that LCHS students are performing better than the state expectations in the core subject areas.
The Class of 2009's high test scores means that the school made Adequate Yearly Progress as outlined by the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. Additionally, preliminary results show that the Class of 2009's composite ACT score might be the highest in district history. To recognize this achievement, the administration is hosting a Senior Tailgate Celebration before the first home football game on Sept. 5.
"We knew we could do it," said Principal Jim McKay, who attributed this success to many factors, including the hard work of teachers, various preparatory programs installed last year, and the increased emphasis on writing. Referring to writing as the "highest yielding strategy educators can use," McKay said the school plans to continue to expand the writing program at LCHS by encouraging more of it in math and science classes, not only English and social studies classes.
"Collectively the students will become better writers and thinkers," he said.
Other plans are in place to continue the tradition of student achievement among the Eagles. For example, with the 30 percent increase in enrollment for AP classes, there is an emphasis on rigor. McKay said that additionally, the administration and faculty expect to communicate more with the classes about expectations, the value of academic achievement, and the importance of attendance.
McKay also cited the Physics First movement adopted by the Science Department this year as a way to encourage increased engagement in math and science classes. |
