Commendations
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The Elmwood Park CUSD 401 is commended for the following goals, programs, and practices:

  1. Cleanliness of buildings and grounds and positive school climate. Attention is given to the over-all cleanliness of the district buildings and grounds. Likewise there is an orderly school climate as observed by the members of the audit team. These conditions are conducive to student learning.

  2. Collaborative procedures. The process and procedures used to select the new elementary language arts program were collaborative, resulting in parent and staff satisfaction in its first year of implementation.

  3. Quality and quantity of technology. The quality and quantity of technology in the buildings is impressive and should be commended. When coordinated with the implemented curriculum there is the potential to maximize student learning.

  4. Sense of community. There is a rich tradition and history in the school district that provides stability and a sense of community. Combining this proud history with a shared vision of continuous improvement can influence student learning and achievement.

  5. Use of data for instructional improvement. There is evidence that the district is using data for instructional improvement. The practice of utilizing test and other data as part of the instructional process leads to an increase in student learning. The district should be commended for the worthy practice of utilizing test data to redirect instruction. It was observed that at least in one building test data is being disaggregated to focus more precisely on important skills.

  6. Exemplary preschool/early childhood programs. The district is commended for valuing and implementing exemplary preschool/early childhood programs. Research bears out that early intellectual stimulation translates to higher academic achievement. This data was reinforced by the parent survey results. Further, the new Early Childhood Center will be an asset to the entire school community.

  7. Goal setting strategy used for accountability purposes. The district should be commended for the goal setting strategy that the superintendent, administrators and teachers use for accountability purposes. It appears that all certificated personnel are held accountable for their professional activities.

  8. Policy that reinforces effective schools. It was observed that the board of education has established policy that reinforces effective schools such as “monitoring student performance, homework, curriculum and content equity,” etc. The challenge is to consistently enforce these policies especially in the area of student attendance at the secondary level.

  9. Extended day program for academically at-risk students. The 45-minute extended day program for students falling behind in academics offers the potential to have a significant impact on student achievement.