Three Waukegan Schools were recently recognized for the improvements they’ve made in several targeted areas as part of the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence program. 

Based on the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (BRSE) assessment process, Greenwood, Little Fort and H.R. McCall elementaries each earned the BRSE’s Points of Light Award. The award was earned based upon the schools meeting the 50% required indicators in the nine performance areas of high-performing schools, as established by the BRSE program. 

This is the first full year that Greenwood, Little Fort and McCall have utilized the BRSE school improvement plan. Participating schools go through a rubric-based assessment process which  provides individualized assessment across multiple areas, as well as an improvement plan tailored to the school’s specific needs. 

“It’s very exciting for all three of our schools to earn this recognition in our first full year of implementing our new action plan,” said District 60 Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Pamela Crowell.  “I know if we can continue to make these evidence and data based improvements year after year we can continue to improve the overall quality of education we provide in our District.”

Participating schools are evaluated over a 40-day survey and assessment window, during which BRSE evaluators visit the school, survey stakeholders, and create an individualized action plan for the building. This year’s data will be used to further refine areas of improvement moving forward. School administrators receive a comprehensive report related to the areas of:
- Student Focus & Support - School Organization & Culture - Challenging Standards & Curriculum - Active Teaching & Learning - Technology Integration - Professional Community - Leadership & Education Equity - School, Family & Community Partnerships - Indicators of Success

The Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence is not affiliated with the United States Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program.