Butler ranks high on state PARCC scores

Butler ranks high on state PARCC scores

Students in Butler School District continued to outperform their peers across the state and ranked second of 18 suburban school districts similar in size and demographics.

Students at both Brook Forest and Butler Junior High performed at the highest levels and in most cases are 2-3 grades ahead of national norms. Like past years, the District is likely one of the top performing schools in the state on the PARCC exam.

“It’s extraordinary that students are scoring and maintaining at these high levels and it reflects the exceptional commitment of the entire school community – students, parents, teachers, staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Heidi Wennstrom.

On the most recent state tests, called PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers), 77.6 percent of District 53 students met or exceeded standards. The percentage of students who meet and exceed standards is called a readiness score. Butler’s readiness score of 77.6 percent compares to a state average of 34.1. Butler District 53 students’ readiness score is a slight drop from 80.1 last year.

Of 18 schools that Butler District 53 often compares itself to, only Lincolnshire-Prairieview District 103 students scored higher with a readiness score of 80.7 percent. Other school district scores ranged from 57.8 percent readiness in Glen Ellyn 41; 71.8 percent in Hinsdale 181; 74.9 percent in Kenilworth 38 and 66.6 percent in Lake Forest 67.

The tests, given for the third year, are based on new Common Core State Standards, which emphasize problem solving and higher order thinking skills. Despite growth and high scores, Wennstrom said there is still work to be done to continue to boost student achievement and help students do their personal best.