PPS Superintendent Responds to Poor Grades at Illinois Elementary School Report Card

Source: Illinois State Board of Education

In PPS, 10 of 13 elementary schools achieved “targeted” “comprehensive” or “intensive” scores requiring school improvement cycles because they were considered among the lowest performing in the state. While the results may not look good on paper, Kherat said some schools have improved compared to last year.

“Last year we had four intensive schools. Now we have two intensive schools. We had five general schools. We currently have four general schools. And so they hit the target, and there are seven of them. I am convinced of this and I am looking forward to the new ranking for next year. I believe we will see continuous improvement,” Kherat said.

Kherat says more than 70% of PPS students live in poverty and often have to deal with traumatic challenges at home. These factors, combined with high rates of absenteeism, negatively impact their academic performance. This is something a school district like Unit 5 doesn’t have to worry about.

“We are an urban district and these are our public schools and that is why we are here. And it’s definitely possible. Therefore, we must continue to be intentional in making sure we are teaching students at grade level. We do interventions and of course children need to be in school to have an impact,” she said.

Kherat said they are focused on reducing chronic absenteeism and continuing to teach with intention in an effort to improve grades in schools.

“For the first time this year, we are truly focusing on chronically absent children. We haven’t really done this in the past. We only focused on attendance and improving it. And there is a big difference,” she said.

Kherat also noted the high school graduation rate, which increased from 65% in 2015 to 80% last year.

“I really, really, really, really believe that all schools can move into the commendable or exemplary category,” she said. “Our job is to give them a fighting chance and ensure they are competitive and contributing members of society with a great future. And this is the journey we are on. It’s definitely a journey.”

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