Summary of Student Achievement Data

PSAE (Prairie State Achievement Exam) This two-day assessment was administered for the eighth time last April to all Juniors in the state of Illinois. The PSAE consists of an ACT exam plus a second day of testing to measure student achievement toward the Illinois Learning Standards. The percentage of this year’s seniors meeting and exceeding standards in each subject area is significantly higher than the state averages. The Class of 2010 met or exceeded state standards as follows:

• Reading 87.4.% • Mathematics 89.1% • Science 85.6% • Writing 90.2%

Average PSAE scores as follows: • Reading 169 • Mathematics 173 • Science 171 • Writing 173

PLAN A total of 1,050 sophomores (Class of 2011) took the PLAN assessment in the Fall of 2008 compared to 1,070 in the 2007-2008 school year:

• English increased from 19.8 to 20.3 • Mathematics increased from 21.8 to 22.3 • Science Reasoning increased from 21.3 to 21.4 • Reading decreased from 20.2 to 20.1 • The school composite score increased from 20.9 to 21.1

ACT (American College Testing) The graduating class ACT composite score increased to 25.7. A total of 1,114 students, 99.3 percent, of the 2009 graduating senior class’ scores were reported. Scores for all content areas are: English (26.1), Mathematics (26.5), Reading (25.1), and Science (24.6). PSAT/NMSQT The number of juniors electing to take the PSAT decreased from 328 in 2007-2008 to 292 in 2008-2089. The Critical Reading (formerly Verbal) mean score increased from 56.2 in 2007-2008 to 58.0 in 2008-2009. The Mathematics mean score increased from 61.4 to 63.3. The Writing Skills mean score increased from 56.4 to 56.7. National Merit Scholarship Program The number of Stevenson students recognized as National Merit Semifinalists cannot be reported until information is released later this year. There is a decrease in National Merit Commended students from 39 last year to 34 in the Class of 2009.

2

SAT (Scholastic Achievement Test) A total of 157 students elected to take the SAT I in 2007. The mean Critical Reading score increased from 611 to 631. The mean Mathematics score increased from 663 to 683. The average Writing score increased from 613 to 636. AP (Advanced Placement) Tests The number of students participating in the Advanced Placement testing again increased from 1,510 to 1,537, an increase of 27 students. These students sat for 3,489 exams. A total of 88 percent of those exams earned honor grades. The overall school mean score on the Advanced Placement exams increased from 3.77 to 3.86. A total of 85 percent of the class of 2008 had a “college level experience” (AP, dual, or articulated credit) on their transcript, an increase of eleven percent in 2009. Grade Distribution In 2008-2009, the A/B rate was 82.1 percent for the first semester and 82.1 percent for the second semester. The D/F rate for first semester was 3.8 percent, which decreased 0.3 percentage point from the previous year. The D/F rate for second semester was 3.6 percent, which decreased 1.5 percentage points from 2007-2008. Explore Fall 2008 marked our third administration of the 9th grade Explore test. The Explore average composite for the 1,060 members of the Class of 2012 was 19.1, on a 25 point scale. Fifty-seven percent of the class scored in the upper quartile nationally. An additional 29 percent of the class scored above the 50th percentile nationally. Explore scores were as follows:

• English 18.9 • Mathematics 19.3 • Reading 18.0 • Science 19.6

Illinois State Assessments Illinois Goal Assessment Program (IGAP), 1993–1999

Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT), 1998–2000 Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE), 2001–2009

From 1993-1999 AESHS students participated in the Illinois Goal Assessment Program. All tenth graders were assessed in reading, mathematics and writing. All eleventh graders took a science and social studies exam. Following a revision in Illinois state goals, the IGAP was revised. In February 2000, Adlai E. Stevenson tenth grade students took the Illinois Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT) in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Beginning in April 2001, every eleventh grader in Illinois took the PSAE. During two days of exams, each student was tested in five subject areas: Science, Social Studies, Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The PSAE (Prairie Statement Achievement Exam) consisted of an ACT exam, plus ACT Work Keys and Illinois State Board of Education created exams in Science and Writing. State testing serves five purposes:

• Measure student performance relative to the state standards, thereby enabling the state to evaluate the percentage of students in each school that exceed, meet, and fail to meet the state standards

• Provide descriptions, based on student performance, of how schools and districts are performing in comparison to the state and nation • Chart progress of schools, districts, and the state over time • Generate information which can be used for accountability, policy making, and school improvement • Honor the excellent performance of individual students

PSAE divides performance standards in each of five subjects into four levels:

• Exceeds Standards • Meets Standards • Below Standards • Academic Warning

The score range for each subject are 120-200. The individual PSAE subject scores and honors designation are on students’ final transcripts. As of 2004-2005, each student must take the PSAE to earn a high school diploma. The PSAE Writing and Social Studies tests are no longer given. Beginning in April 2007, the eleventh graders were assessed in four subject areas: reading, mathematics, science, and writing. In November 2007, the State of Illinois mandated the LEP (Limited English Proficiency) students were to be included for the first time in the 2008 PSAE assessment.

PSAE Score/ACT Comparison2001 – 2009

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001Reading (SHS) 169 168 169 170 170 168 169 169 168Reading (State) 157 156 158 158 159 157 157 158 158ACT Reading (SHS) 25.1 24.5 24.8 24.7 24.5 23.3 24.0 24.0 23.8ACT Reading(State) 20.0 20.6 N/A 19.7 19.9 19.1 18.7 18.8 18.5Mathematics (SHS) 173 174 172 170 171 172 170 170 170Mathematics (State) 157 157 157 157 156 157 156 157 157ACT Mathematics (SHS) 26.1 26.2 26.2 25.5 25.9 25.8 25.4 25.5 24.7ACT Mathematics (State) 20.0 20.7 N/A 19.8 19.8 19.9 19.5 19.7 19.8Writing (SHS) 173 173 N/A N/A N/A 173 172 172 171Writing (State) 157 157 N/A N/A N/A 158 158 158 158ACT English (SHS) 25.6 25.7 25.5 24.4 25.1 24.8 24.2 24.5 23.3ACT English (State) 19.0 20.4 N/A 19.3 19.4 19.1 18.7 18.8 18.5Science (SHS) 171 171 170 170 170 170 170 170 169Science (State) 157 158 158 158 158 158 157 158 157ACT Science (SHS) 24.3 24.1 24.0 23.7 23.6 23.7 23.1 23.5 22.9ACT Science (State) 20.0 20.5 N/A 19.7 19.8 19.9 19.5 19.5 19.5Social Science (SHS) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 169 168 168 168Social Science (State) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 158 157 157 157Composite (SHS) 25.4 25. 3 N/A 24.7 24.9 24.8 24.3 24.5 23.8Composite (State) 20.8 20.7 N/A 19.8 19.9 19.8 19.4 19.5 19.4

PSAE Comparison Profile2002 – 2009

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002SHS SHS SHS SHS SHS SHS SHS SHS State State State State State State State State

ReadingAcademic Warning 1.8% 1.3% 1.7% 1.5% 1.3% 1.0% 1.0% 2.0% 8.5% 10.1% 8.4% 8.4% 7.9% 8.2% 7.5% 8.0%

Below Standards 10.8% 15.8% 13.8% 14,2% 14.2% 15.4% 14.3% 15.0% 34.6% 36.6% 37.5% 33.2% 32.6% 35.0% 36.1% 34.0%

Meets Standards 55.3% 55.0% 55.5% 50.7\% 51.8% 59.0% 57.4% 52.0% 45.0% 42.9% 43.1% 44.4% 46.4% 46.8% 44.8% 45.0%

Exceeds Standards 32.1% 27.9% 29.0% 33.6% 32.8% 24.6% 27.3% 31.0% 11.9% 10.4% 10.9% 14.0% 13.1% 10.0% 11.6% 13.0%

MathematicsAcademic Warning 1.7% 1.3% 1.4% 2.6% 1.6% 1.1% 1.9% 2.0% 11.0% 11.1% 9.8% 9.8% 9.8% 9.7% 9.5% 10.0%

Below Standards 9.2% 11.2% 12.3% 13.7% 11.2% 11.4% 9.9% 11.0% 37.4% 35.9% 37.5% 36.6% 37.4% 37.1% 37.2% 36.0%

Meets Standards 51.3% 48.7% 51.0% 53.5% 56.2% 52.9% 64.8% 57.0% 42.2% 42.2% 42.8% 45.8% 45.6% 42.8% 46.6% 45.0%

Exceeds Standards 37.8% 38.8% 35.3% 30.3% 31.0% 34.6% 23.4% 30.0% 9.4% 10.8% 9.9% 7.9% 7.2% 10.3% 6.7% 8.0%

WritingAcademic Warning 0.6% 1.0% 1.6% N/A N/A 1.0% 1.2% 2.0% 6.0% 6.7% N/A N/A N/A 7.3% 6.3% 6.0%

Below Standards 9.2% 7.6% 9.0% N/A N/A 8.4% 7.8% 7.0% 37.2% 37.3% N/A N/A N/A 33.1% 34.8% 34.0%

Meets Standards 66.1% 65.6% 63.3% N/A N/A 52.6% 59.0% 55.0% 51.7% 50.0% N /A N/A N/A 47.7% 49.5% 49.0%

Exceeds Standards 24.1% 25.8% 26.1% N/A N/A 38.0% 32.1% 36.0% 5.1% 6.0% N/A N/A N/A 11.9% 9.4% 10.0%

ScienceAcademic Warning 1.6% 1.5% 1.2% 1.6% 1.9% 1.7% 1.7% 2.0% 8.9% 9.5% 8.7% 8.3% 10.2% 10.6% 10.7% 11.0%

Below Standards 12.8% 13.5% 14.6% 16.1% 14.5% 13.7% 13.8% 14.0% 40.7% 39.3% 40.3% 40.9% 37.3% 36.5% 38.0% 37.0%

Meets Standards 49.0% 52.6% 52.3% 49.8% 52.6% 56.0% 53.6% 54.0% 40.3% 40.4% 40.3% 40.1% 41.4% 41.0% 40.0% 41.0%

Exceeds Standards 36.6% 32.4% 31.9% 32.5% 31.0% 28.6% 30.9% 30.0% 10.2% 10.8% 10.7% 10.7% 11.1% 11.9% 11.3% 12.0%

Social ScienceAcademic Warning N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.8% 1.5% 1.0% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.7% 8.0% 7.0%

Below Standards N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 12.9% 14.6% 15.0% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 32.9% 35.8% 36.0%

Meets Standards N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 52.6% 50.1% 51.0% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 44.9% 41.7% 43.0%

Exceeds Standards N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 33.8% 33.8% 33.0% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14.5% 14.5% 14.0%

PSAE Performance Profile – 2009

Academic Below Meets ExceedsWarning Standards Standards Standards

SHS Reading 1.8% 10.8% 55.3% 32.2%

Illinois Reading 8.5% 34.6% 45.0% 11.9%

SHS Writing 0.6% 9.2% 66.1% 24.1%

Illinois Writing 6.0% 37.2% 51.7% 5.1%

SHS Mathematics 1.7% 9.2% 51.3% 37.8%

Illinois Mathematics 11.0% 37.4% 42.2% 9.4%

SHS Science 1.6% 12.8% 49.0% 36.6%

Illinois Science 8.9% 40.7% 40.3% 10.2%

1.8%

10.8%

55.3%

32.2%

8.5%

34.6%

45.0%

11.9%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Warning Below Meets Exceeds

PSAE SHS vs. Illinois – Reading 2009

SHS IL

1.7%

9.2%

51.3%

37.8%

11.0%

37.2%

42.2%

9.4%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Warning Below Meets Exceeds

PSAE SHS vs. Illlinois – Mathematics 2009

SHS IL

1.6%

12.8%

49.0%

36.6%

8.9%

40.7% 40.3%

10.2%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Warning Below Meets Exceeds

PSAE SHS vs. Illinois – Science 2009

SHS IL

169

168

169

170

170

168

169

169

168

173

174

172

170

171

172

170

170

170

171

171

170

170

170

170

170

170

169

165

166

167

168

169

170

171

172

173

174

175

SHS 09 SHS 08 SHS 07 SHS 06 SHS 05 SHS 04 SHS 03 SHS 02 SHS 01

PSAE Scores – SHS 2009

Reading Mathematics Science

157

156

157

158

159

157

157

158

158

157

157

157

157

156

157

156

157

157

157

158

158

158

158

158

157

158

157

154.5

155

155.5

156

156.5

157

157.5

158

158.5

159

159.5

IL 09 IL 08 IL 07 IL 06 IL 05 IL 04 IL 03 IL 02 IL 01

PSAE Scores – Illinois 2009

Reading Mathematics Science

25

.1

24

.5 2

4.8

24

.7

24

.5

24

24

23

.8 24

26

.1

26

.2

26

.2

25

.5

25

.9

26

25

.5

24

.7 2

5

25

.6

25

.7

25

.5

24

.4

25

.1

25

24

.5

23

.3

23

24

.3

24

.1

24

23

.7

23

.6

24

23

.5

22

.9

23

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

SHS 09 SHS 08 SHS 07 SHS 06 SHS 05 SHS 04 SHS 03 SHS 02 SHS 01

PSAE ACT Scores – SHS 2001-2009

Reading Mathematics English Science Reasoning

20

20

20

20

.6

20

.3

20

19

.6

19

.5

20

20

20

20

20

.3

20

.2

20

19

.7

19

.8 2

0

19

20

20

20

.2

19

.9

19

18

.8

18

.5

18

20

20

20

20

.4

20

.4

20

19

.5

19

.5

19

16.5

17

17.5

18

18.5

19

19.5

20

20.5

21

IL 09 IL 08 IL 07 IL 06 IL 05 IL 04 IL 03 IL 02 IL 01

PSAE ACT Scores – Illinois 2001-2009

Reading Mathematics English Science Reasoning

EXPLORE ASSESSMENT The EXPLORE program contains four academic tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. These tests are designed to measure student progress toward attainment of entry-level curriculum-related knowledge and complex cognitive skills that are required in high school and are important for later education and career success. The EXPLORE is an early indicator of college readiness, an effective tool for planning high school coursework, and a useful career exploration and planning program. Explore is administered during the freshman year. This is designed in accordance with the PLAN (10th grade) and the ACT (11th and 12th grade) to monitor and inform student academic progress.

18.8 18.8

18.6

19.1

17.5

18

18.5

19

19.5

20

2005 (Class 2009) 2006 (Class 2010) 2007 (Class 2011) 2008 (CLASS 2012)

SHS EXPLORE Composite

SHS EXPLORE Composite

18.3 18.3

18.1

19.3

19.0

18.8

18.4

19.3

17.8 17.9

17.7

18.0

19.6 19.7

19.5 19.6

17

17.5

18

18.5

19

19.5

20

20.5

21

2005 2006 2007 2008

EXPLORE by Subject 2005-2008

English Mathematics Reading Science

PLAN Assessment

The PLAN program contains four academic tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. These tests are designed to measure student attainment of the curriculum-related knowledge and complex cognitive skills that are acquired in the early years of high school and are important for later education and careers. Thus, the PLAN tests are intended to provide tenth-grade students with information they need to prepare for future academic and career success.

The PLAN academic tests are also related to the ACT Assessment. These two testing programs measure student academic development in the same curricular areas; the major difference is that the PLAN measures skills that are developed early in secondary education among all students, and the ACT Assessment measures skills that are developed later in high school, specifically among college-bound students. While PLAN results can provide students with an early indication of their progress in curriculum areas measured by the ACT Assessment, the fundamental purpose of PLAN is to determine student preparedness for any future educational or career choice.

18.8

19.6

20.3 20.2

20.5 20.5 20.6

20.5

21.2 21.2

21.0

21.3

21.0 20.9

21.1

17.5

18

18.5

19

19.5

20

20.5

21

21.5

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

SHS PLAN Composite

SHS PLAN Composite

21.0

20.2

19.8

20.3

22.5

21.7 21.8

22.3

20.2 20.3

20.2 20.1

21.2

21.5

21.3 21.4

19.5

20.0

20.5

21.0

21.5

22.0

22.5

23.0

05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

PLAN by Subject

English Math Reading Science

ACT Assessment

The ACT is the predominant test for college admission in the Midwest. The ACT is usually first taken in the spring of the junior year. The ACT is a component of the Illinois state testing program required for all juniors. The ACT is a component of the Illinois The ACT is a 2 hour and 55 minute multiple-choice test. The test is scored on a 0 (low) to 36 (high) basis, and its scores are reported in four categories; English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science Reasoning with a composite average of the four areas. The subscores are reported in integers between 1 and 18. English Test The English Test is a 75-item, 45 minute test that measures the student’s understanding of the conventions of standard written English in punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure and the student’s ability to make the kinds of decisions made by good writers related to strategy, organization, and style. Spelling, vocabulary, and rote recall of rules of grammar are not tested. Mathematics Test The Mathematics Test is a 60-item, 60-minute test that is designed to assess the mathematical skills that students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12. The test, which is multiple-choice, requires students to use their reasoning skills to solve practical problems in mathematics. Knowledge of basic formulas and computational skills are assumed as background for the problems, but complex formulas and extensive computation are not required. The material covered on the test emphasizes the major content areas that are prerequisite to successful performance in entry-level courses in college mathematics. Reading Test The Reading Test is a 40-item, 35-minute test that measures the student’s level of reading comprehension as a product of skill in referring and reasoning. That is, the test items require students to derive meaning from several texts by referring to what is explicitly stated and by reasoning to determine implicit meanings and to draw conclusions, comparisons, and generalizations. Science Reasoning Test The Science Reasoning Test is a 40-item, 35-minute test that measures the student’s interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in a coursework in the natural sciences. The test is made up of units consisting of some scientific information and a set of multiple-choice test items. Writing Test In 2005, ACT added an optional Writing Test.

Graduating Class ACT Scores1995-2009

% Science SHS State NationalYear Participating Students English Math Reading Reasoning Composite Composite Composite

2008-09 99.3 1077 26.1 26.5 25.1 24.6 25.7 20.8 21.1

2007-08 96.3 1114 26.1 26.6 25.2 24.5 25.7 20.7 21.1

2006-07 96.4 1064 25.3 26.1 24.8 24.4 25.3 20.5 21.2

2005-06 99.0 1061 25.8 26.5 25.2 24.4 25.6 20.5 21.1

2004-05 99.0 1017 25.2 26.1 24.7 24.0 25.1 20.3 20.9

2003-04 97.0 986 24.9 25.9 24.4 23.7 24.9 20.3 20.9

2002-03 99.0 1056 24.8 25.9 24.2 23.9 24.8 20.2 20.8

2001-02* 97.0 907 24.2 25.4 24.3 23.3 0.0 20.1 20.8

2000-01 92.7 764 24.2 25.5 24.4 24.1 24.7 21.6 21.0

1999-00 91.0 735 24.2 25.4 24.3 24.1 24.6 21.5 21.0

1998-99 83.0 623 23.9 25.4 23.9 24.1 24.5 21.4 21.0

1997-98 92.0 671 23.5 25.6 24.1 24.0 24.4 21.4 21.0

1996-97 90.0 627 23.4 25.1 23.8 24.0 24.2 21.2 21.0

1995-96 92.0 597 23.4 24.2 24.1 23.7 24.0 20.9 20.9

*First time included PSAE-ACT administration.

23.5

24.0 24.2

24.4 24.5

24.6 24.7

24.4

24.8 24.9

25.1

25.6

25.3

25.7 25.7

21.1 21.2 21.2

21.4 21.4 21.5

21.6

20.1 20.2

20.3 20.3 20.5 20.5

20.7 20.8 20.8

20.9 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0

20.8 20.8 20.9 20.9

21.1 21.2

21.1 21.1

20.0

21.0

22.0

23.0

24.0

25.0

26.0

94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

Graduating Class ACT Scores 1995-2009

SHS Composite State Composite National Composite

22

.8

23

.4

23

.4

23

.5

23

.9 24

.2

24

.2

24

.2

24

.8

24

.9 25

.2

25

.8

25

.3

26

.1

26

.1

22.5

23

23.5

24

24.5

25

25.5

26

26.5

27

94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

Graduating Class ACT Subject Scores–English 1994-2009

Engish

23

.9 24

.2

25

.1

25

.6

25

.4

25

.4

25

.5

25

.4

25

.9

25

.9

26

.1

26

.5

26

.1

26

.6

26

.5

22.5

23

23.5

24

24.5

25

25.5

26

26.5

27

94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

Graduating Class ACT Subject Scores–Mathematics 1994-2009

Mathematics

23

.4

24

.1

23

.8 24

.1

23

.9

24

.3

24

.4

24

.3

24

.2

24

.4 24

.7

25

.2

24

.8

25

.2

25

.1

22.5

23

23.5

24

24.5

25

25.5

26

26.5

27

94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

Graduating Class ACT Subject Scores–Reading 1994-2009

Reading

23

.5

23

.7

24

.2

24

.0

24

.1

24

.1

24

.1

23

.3

23

.9

23

.7 24

24

.4

24

.4

24

.5

24

.6

22.5

23

23.5

24

24.5

25

25.5

26

26.5

27

94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

Graduating Class ACT Subject Scores–Science 1994-2009

Science

94%

92%

90%

92%

83%

87%

92%

97%

99%

97%

99% 99%

96% 97%

99%

75%

80%

85%

90%

95%

100%

105%

94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

ACT Class Participation

% of Class Participation

PSAT/NMSQT

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills, and writing skills which are important for academic performance in college. It assesses ability to reason with facts and concepts rather than the ability to recall and recite them. The PSAT/NMSQT places a priority on the critical thinking skills educators emphasize. The PSAT/NMSQT includes five sections: two 25 minute critical reading sections, two 25 minute Math sections, and one 30 minute writing skills section. The whole test requires two hours and ten minutes. Changes is scores were introduced in 1994. PSAT/NMSQT scores were shifted or “recentered” to make them easier to understand and to improve technical characteristics. Scores are reported on a 20 to 80 scale and the Selection Index ranges from 60 to 240. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT, students may qualify to enter competitions for prestigious scholarships and participate in recognition programs. The annual Merit Scholarship competition is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) with the College Board, not-for-profit organizations. Many independent organizations and institutions support scholarships offered through the Merit Program. The operational objectives of the Merit Program are:

• To identify and honor exceptionally able U. S. high school students and to encourage them to pursue rigorous college studies • To provide a system of professional services for corporations, company foundations, colleges and universities, and other organizations that

wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding participants in the competition Since its inception in 1955, the Merit Program has had several long-range purposes:

• To promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for extremely talented individuals in particular • To encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education • To stimulate greater support for able students and educational institutions from both the private and public sectors of the economy

PSAT/NMSQT Test Scores for Juniors1998-2009

TotalYear Number SHS - Mean Number SHS - Mean Number SHS - Mean Illinois Mean

2008-2009 163 55.1 128 56.7 292 56.7 48.12007-2008 161 56.5 166 56.3 328 56.4 48.12006-2007 187 55.7 202 57.2 389 56.5 48.02005-2006 205 57.0 203 57.6 411 57.2 51.22004-2005 231 57.5 211 58.8 442 58.1 52.32003-2004 212 58.2 208 57.3 420 57.8 49.62002-2003 218 55.4 210 56.3 429 55.9 49.92001-2002 225 55.0 193 57.4 418 56.1 50.02000-2001 138 54.5 174 56.9 312 55.8 49.61999-2000 181 55.8 180 56.9 361 56.4 50.11998-1999 152 56.8 155 57.8 308 57.3 49.7

TotalYear Number SHS - Mean Number SHS - Mean Number SHS - Mean Illinois Mean

2008-2009 163 57.3 128 59.0 292 58.0 49.12007-2008 161 56.6 166 55.9 328 56.2 49.12006-2007 187 57.3 202 57.2 389 57.2 50.12005-2006 205 57.6 203 56.3 411 57.0 49.72004-2005 231 54.6 211 54.9 442 54.7 49.02003-2004 212 56.6 208 54.6 420 55.6 48.62002-2003 218 55.7 210 54.9 429 55.3 48.92001-2002 225 55.2 193 55.5 418 55.3 49.22000-2001 138 54.7 174 55.7 312 55.3 49.31999-2000 181 57.0 180 54.1 361 55.5 49.31998-1999 152 54.6 155 54.0 308 54.2 48.5

TotalYear Number SHS - Mean Number SHS - Mean Number SHS - Mean Illinois Mean

2008-2009 163 63.4 128 63.0 292 63.3 51.12007-2008 161 63.6 166 59.2 328 61.4 50.62006-2007 187 64.2 202 61.0 389 62.5 51.02005-2006 205 62.8 203 60.3 411 61.5 51.82004-2005 231 62.6 211 60.2 442 61.4 51.22003-2004 212 60.0 208 55.0 420 57.5 51.32002-2003 218 59.8 210 56.5 429 58.2 50.22001-2002 225 59.4 193 57.8 418 58.7 50.12000-2001 138 59.6 174 57.0 312 58.1 50.61999-2000 181 59.5 180 54.8 361 57.2 50.71998-1999 152 60.2 155 55.9 308 58.0 49.7

Females

Males

Males

Males

Writing

Critical Reading

Mathematics

Females

Females

National Merit Scholarship Program1994 – 2009

Year Semifinalists Commended Students Total

1994 11 22 33

1995 12 20 32

1996 11 27 38

1997 20 32 52

1998 13 25 38

1999 19 38 57

2000 14 31 45

2001 19 37 56

2002 15 26 41

2003 14 45 59

2004 28 36 64

2005 21 37 58

2006 16 46 62

2007 19 45 64

2008 27 39 66

2009 N/A 34 N/A

11 12 11

20

13

19

14

19

15 14

28

21

16

19

27

22 20

27

32

25

38

31

37

26

45

36

37

46 45

39

34

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Nu

mb

er

of

Stu

den

ts

National Merit Scholarship Program 1994 – 2009

Semifinalists Commended Students

N/A 

SAT

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a multiple-choice test made up of verbal and mathematical questions divided into five 30-minute sections. The verbal questions measure the student’s ability to understand what is read and the extent of their vocabulary. The mathematical questions measure quantitative abilities closely related to college work. The Test of Standard Written English (TSWE) is a 30-minute, multiple-choice examination administered with the SAT. The questions evaluate the student’s ability to recognize standard written English, the language of most college textbooks and the English students will be expected to use in papers written for college courses. The TSWE is not an admissions test. Instead, after admission, this exam may be used to place the student in the appropriate English course. The SAT is administered seven times during the school year. Different forms of the SAT are used for each testing date. All candidates receive verbal and mathematical scores based on exactly the same questions at each administration of the test. Both verbal and mathematical scores on the SAT are reported on a scale of 200 to 800. Raw scores are converted to a College Board scaled score so that it can be compared with the scores of students who have taken other editions of the the SAT. Scaled scores ensure that small difficulties of various editions of the SAT do not affect a student’s scores. Scores on the Test of Standard Written English are reported on a scale of 20 to 60+. An SAT score alone has little practical meaning, since it does not tell where a student stands in comparison to other students. Norms, such as percentile ranks, are developed to allow such comparisons. A percentile rank is determined by calculating the percentage of scores in a group that are lower than a given score. Although most colleges will accept either ACT or SAT results, many private and/or East Coast schools specifically request SAT scores. The College Board has realigned the SAT to be more closely related to classroom work. The SAT has been revised and the new SAT was given in March 2005 for the class of 2006. It included a student-written essay and a multiple choice writing section. Analogies and quantitative comparisons are not part of the new SAT. Analogies have been replaced with short, paragraph-length reading passages. The new math section includes some advanced math, Algebra II.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – 1994-2009

National StateYear No. SHS-Mean No. SHS-Mean No. SHS-Mean Mean Mean2008-09 85 699 72 664 157 683 515 6042007-08 96 671 106 655 201 663 515 6012006-07 100 682 113 648 213 664 515 6112006-07 100 682 113 648 213 664 515 6112005-06 137 674 142 641 279 657 518 6092004-05 120 671 121 634 241 653 520 6062003-04 122 675 126 627 248 651 518 5972002-03 143 665 154 622 297 643 519 5962001-02 143 646 145 630 288 630 516 5962000-01 136 651 116 623 252 638 514 5891999-00 141 649 131 599 272 625 514 5861998-99 128 642 141 591 269 615 511 5851997-98 111 634 121 612 232 623 512 5811996-97 154 625 134 593 288 610 511 5781995-96 131 615 126 598 257 607 508 5751994-95 91 635 95 568 186 601 482 560

National StateYear No. SHS-Mean No. SHS-Mean No. SHS-Mean Mean Mean2008-09 85 639 72 620 157 631 501 5882007-08 96 606 106 616 201 611 502 5832006-07 100 630 113 602 213 615 502 5942005-06 137 603 142 597 279 600 503 5912004-05 120 626 121 601 241 614 508 5942003-04 122 609 126 596 248 602 508 5852002-03 143 597 154 597 297 597 507 5832001-02 143 579 145 595 288` 587 504 5782000-01 136 610 116 591 252 601 506 5761999-00 141 603 131 572 272 588 505 5681998-99 128 593 141 581 269 587 505 5691997-98 111 588 121 593 232 591 505 5641996-97 154 569 134 573 288 571 505 5621995-96 131 563 126 592 257 577 505 5641994-95 91 495 95 497 186 496 428 488

National StateYear No. SHS-Mean No. SHS-Mean No. SHS-Mean Mean Mean2008-09 85 634 72 637 157 636 493 5832007-08 96 595 106 628 201 613 494 5782006-07 110 625 113 610 213 617 494 5882005-06 137 601 142 613 279 607 497 586

Males Females TotalMathematical Scores

Critical Reading Scores

WritingMales Females Total

Total FemalesMales

607

497

586

617

494

588

613

494

578

636

493

583

420

470

520

570

620

670

SHS National IL

AESHS SAT 1 Writing Scores 2009

2006 2007 2008 2009

491 496

577 571

591 587 588

601

587

597 602

615

600

615 611

631

478

488

564 562 564 569 568

576 578 583 585

594 591 594

583 588

423 428

505 505 505 505 505 506 504 507 508 508 503 502 502 501

420

470

520

570

620

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

AESHS SAT 1 Critical Reading 1994-2009

SHS IL National

546

560

575 578 581 585 586 589 596 596 597

606 609 611 601 604

479 482

508 511 512 511 514 514 516 519 518 520 518 515 515 515

581

601 607 610

623 615

625

638 630

643 651 653 657

664 663

683

420

470

520

570

620

670

720

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

AESHS SAT 1 Mathematics Scores 1994-2009

IL National SHS

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

AP is a program of college-level courses and exams that gives high school students the opportunity to receive advanced placement and/or credit in college. Currently 60 percent of the nation’s high schools participate in AP. Most of the Nation’s colleges and universities have an AP policy granting incoming students credit, placement, or both for qualifying AP exams. AP Examinations offer students the following benefits:

• The opportunity to sharpen academic skills, allowing them to enter college with the confidence that they can succeed • Exemption by the college or university from introductory courses and permission to take higher-level courses, enabling students to move ahead in

areas of interest • An opportunity to demonstrate to colleges the ability to successfully pursue rigorous coursework • Academic credit that can give them a head start in college • Tuition savings – a year or more of credit may be granted for a sufficient number of qualifying AP grades • Time to explore undergraduate subject areas that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to study, and time to pursue internships or to study abroad • The opportunity and satisfaction of meeting a challenge. • Eligibility for collegiate honors and other special programs open to students who have received AP recognition

Every examination receives an overall grade on a five-point scale:

Examination Grade Extremely well qualified 5 Well qualified 4 Qualified 3 Possibly qualified 2 No recommendation 1

SHS - AP Results by SubjectSeptember 08, 2009

1 2 3 4 5 Grand Total SHS Ave Natl Ave Total 3 or > % 3 or >Art History 0 1 3 1 1 6 3.33 5 83.3%Art – Studio Drawing 0 0 0 6 10 16 4.63 16 100.0%Art – Studio 2D Design 0 0 1 2 15 18 4.78 18 100.0%Art - Studio 3D Design 0 0 0 1 0 1 4.00 1 100.0%Biology 0 2 8 12 62 84 4.60 82 97.6%Calculus AB 5 15 48 53 133 254 4.16 234 92.1%Calculus BC 2 4 19 31 123 179 4.50 173 96.6%Chemistry 3 4 16 30 78 131 4.34 124 94.7%Chinese Language 1 0 0 0 1 2 3.00 1 50.0%Comp Sci A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Comp Sci AB 1 2 1 2 9 15 4.07 12 80.0%Macro Econ 13 21 26 62 35 157 3.54 123 78.3%Micro Econ 10 8 28 49 20 115 3.53 97 84.3%English Language Comp 0 7 45 82 78 212 4.09 205 96.7%English Literature 0 2 34 55 42 133 4.03 131 98.5%Environmental Science 5 7 20 44 54 130 4.04 118 90.8%European History 7 15 58 63 46 189 3.67 167 88.4%French Language 0 4 8 4 4 20 3.40 16 80.0%French Literature 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -German Language 0 0 1 2 2 5 4.20 5 100.0%Gov & Pol Comp 1 3 8 9 17 38 4.00 34 89.5%Gov & Pol US 19 102 162 110 80 473 3.27 352 74.4%Human Geography 10 17 40 47 57 171 3.73 144 84.2%Latin Literature 2 5 1 0 4 12 2.92 5 41.7%Music Theory 0 5 7 7 6 25 3.56 20 80.0%Physics B 0 6 43 85 86 220 4.14 214 97.3%Physic C Mech 0 0 0 2 14 16 4.88 16 100.0%Physics C E&M 0 1 0 4 10 15 4.53 14 93.3%Psychology 5 12 35 57 107 216 4.15 199 92.1%Spanish Language 0 4 8 31 37 80 4.26 76 95.0%Spanish Literature 0 0 2 5 8 15 4.40 15 100.0%Statistics 6 24 41 35 50 156 3.63 126 80.8%US History 10 68 108 134 77 397 3.50 319 80.4%World History 0 0 1 0 0 1 3.00 1 100.0%

Total Exams 100 339 772 1025 1266 3502 3.86 3063 87.5%% of Scores 2.9% 9.7% 22.0% 29.3% 36.2% 100.0% 87.5%

Last few Years:Year Soph Jrs Srs Grads Students Tests Mean Score2009 29.1% 40.5% 58.2% 70.2% 1540 3502 3.862008 27.1% 33.5% 57.2% 69.0% 1510 3601 3.772007 24.9% 35.4% 47.1% 60.5% 1478 3272 3.752006 27.0% 31.7% 51.5% 65.0% 1428 3186 3.842005 22.0% 33.5% 49.9% 61.6% 1314 3029 3.882004 25.1% 32.3% 47.0% na 1286 2937 3.79

Percent of class earning at least one 3, 4, or 5

AP Exam Results – Historical –2001-2009Course 2001 %>3 2002 %>3 2003 %>3 2004 %>3 2005 %>3 2006 %>3 2007 %>3 2008 %>3 2009 %>3Art History 7 86% 10 80% 10 80% 8 100% 18 100% 10 90% 9 100% 12 100% 6 83%Art Studio Drawing 15 93% 27 100% 19 100% 12 100% 24 100% 18 100% 11 100% 16 100% 16 100%Art Studio 2D 0 0% 0 0% 4 100% 12 100% 13 100% 17 100% 12 100% 13 100% 18 100%Art 3D 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2 100% 1 100% 0 0% 1 100%Biology 85 95% 91 98% 107 94% 104 92% 96 90% 65 99% 62 100% 73 99% 84 98%Calculus AB 157 87% 184 95% 232 97% 244 84% 277 90% 276 92% 268 85% 296 93% 254 92%Calculus BC 117 96% 142 97% 133 99% 120 98% 99 100% 134 100% 127 100% 146 98% 179 97%Chemistry 72 89% 81 90% 92 92% 109 92% 92 87% 121 93% 128 95% 146 88% 131 95%Chinese Language 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 100% 2 50%Comp Sci A 2 50% 0 0% 2 50% 0 0% 0 0% 3 100% 3 100% 1 100% 0 0%Comp Sci AB 28 86% 37 73% 28 75% 27 70% 3 100% 17 82% 19 68% 24 92% 15 80%Econ-Mac 116 66% 128 71% 123 70% 108 58% 22 77% 96 81% 110 86% 145 77% 157 78%Econ-Mic 56 79% 86 77% 101 74% 154 64% 123 82% 123 76% 152 78% 166 72% 115 84%Eng Lang/Comp 106 95% 202 97% 201 95% 230 91% 121 79% 249 95% 189 96% 189 98% 212 97%Eng Lit/Comp 142 89% 99 96% 136 96% 141 96% 231 93% 144 96% 145 97% 155 98% 133 99%Env. Science 92 63% 63 86% 85 86% 97 78% 145 97% 153 91% 133 93% 151 92% 130 91%European History 166 89% 199 88% 174 95% 159 94% 134 87% 161 90% 157 91% 131 98% 189 88%French Language 9 89% 16 94% 12 92% 10 100% 148 87% 16 100% 17 100% 7 100% 20 80%French Literature 0 0% 0 0% 3 100% 0 0% 13 100% 1 100% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%German Language 5 0% 5 80% 4 50% 4 75% 1 100% 2 100% 9 78% 7 86% 5 100%Gov & Pol Comp 36 89% 39 87% 40 90% 44 95% 6 67% 64 84% 57 81% 77 88% 38 90%Gov & Pol US 158 83% 211 78% 224 75% 271 70% 47 91% 334 78% 429 62% 518 63% 473 74%Human Geography 110 82% 27 93% 43 100% 146 96% 301 73% 184 86% 143 85% 187 88% 171 84%Latin Vergil 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 29% 11 96% 0 0% 10 30% 0 0% 0 0%Latin Lit 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 7 49% 14 0% 11 55% 0 0% 14 79% 12 42%Music Theory 18 89% 11 73% 12 92% 11 100% 0 0% 11 82% 11 64% 21 81% 25 80%Physics B 143 97% 195 93% 181 95% 176 98% 11 73% 152 98% 199 97% 171 97% 220 97%Physics C-Mech 37 100% 16 88% 21 100% 13 100% 166 99% 24 96% 8 100% 18 94% 16 100%Physics C- E&M 37 92% 16 81% 21 95% 13 92% 23 100% 18 94% 8 100% 18 89% 15 93%Psychology 74 89% 120 94% 192 98% 193 94% 23 100% 188 94% 201 93% 261 94% 216 92%Spanish Language 46 93% 53 94% 86 90% 89 93% 181 94% 95 96% 105 90% 76 93% 80 95%Spanish Literature 8 100% 11 100% 9 89% 1 100% 104 100% 30 100% 21 100% 25 100% 15 100%Statistics 118 68% 111 63% 133 70% 128 77% 20 81% 128 84% 144 83% 178 75% 156 81%US History 301 79% 287 79% 324 72% 321 78% 107 100% 339 80% 384 73% 357 72% 397 80%World History 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 353 100% 1 100% 1 100% 1 100% 1 100%TOTAL EXAMS 1842 2467 2295 2503 3028 3186 3272 3601 3502TOTAL STUDENTS 1015 1125 1211 1286 1314 1402 1478 1510 1540Total % Hon Grades 85% 87% 87% 85% 87% 89% 84% 84% 88%Mean Score 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.84 3.75 3.78 3.86Total % Students 34%

968 1084

1289 1203

1414 1373

1574

1842

2467

2295

2503

3029

3186 3272

3601 3502

490 555 599

656 664 723

857

1015 1125

1211 1286 1314

1402 1478 1510 1537

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

AP Results by Year 1994-2009

Total Exams Total Students

3.7 3.7 3.7

4.0 4.1

3.9 3.9

3.7 3.8 3.8 3.8

3.9 3.84 3.75 3.77

3.86

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

5

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

AP Mean Scores 1994 –2009

MEAN

49% 51% 52% 53%

59% 61%

65% 66% 67% 70%

74%

85%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Percent of Graduating Class with College Level Experience (AP, Articulated Courses, and Dual Credit Courses)

% of Graduating Class

AESHS Grade Distribution Report 1994-2009

School Year A B C D F Total A-F GPA A B C D F Total A-F GPA1994-95 4722 6272 3162 823 365 15344 4867 5733 3254 942 360 15155

30.8% 40.9% 20.6% 5.4% 2.4% 100.0% 32.1% 37.8% 21.5% 6.2% 2.4% 100.0%1995-96 5065 6704 3224 849 352 16194 5084 6214 3317 940 377 15932

31.3% 41.4% 19.9% 5.2% 2.2% 100.0% 31.9% 39.0% 20.8% 5.9% 2.4% 100.0%1996-97 5400 7200 3213 795 326 16934 5581 6486 3400 968 404 16839

31.9% 42.5% 19.0% 4.7% 1.9% 100.0% 33.1% 38.5% 20.2% 5.7% 2.4% 100.0%1997-98 5677 7345 3491 889 372 17774 5805 6902 3538 1049 485 17779

31.9% 41.3% 19.6% 5.0% 2.1% 100.0% 32.7% 38.8% 19.9% 5.9% 2.7% 100.0%1998-99 6303 7795 3574 884 358 18914 6457 7160 3615 1009 402 18643

33.3% 41.2% 18.9% 4.7% 1.9% 100.0% 3.2 34.6% 38.4% 19.4% 5.4% 2.2% 100.0% 3.11999-00 7047 8611 3699 884 297 20538 6935 7891 3865 1037 367 20095

34.1% 36.0% 15.5% 3.7% 1.2% 100.0% 3.2 34.5% 39.3% 19.2% 5.2% 1.8% 100.0% 3.22000-01 7451 8958 3775 964 303 21451 7709 8187 3810 1001 299 21006

34.7% 41.8% 17.4% 4.5% 1.4% 100.0% 3.2 36.7% 39.0% 18.1% 4.8% 1.4% 100.0% 3.32001-02 8353 9476 3724 779 225 22557 8619 8590 3791 878 264 22142

37.0% 42.0% 17.0% 3.0% 1.0% 100.0% 3.3 39.0% 39.0% 17.0% 4.0% 1.0% 100.0% 3.32002-03 8730 9865 3859 715 236 23405 8935 8849 3934 951 307 22976

37.0% 42.0% 17.0% 3.0% 1.0% 100.0% 3.3 39.0% 39.0% 17.0% 4.0% 1.0% 100.0% 3.32003-04 8863 9813 3884 806 262 23628 8904 9043 4278 1049 303 23577

38.0% 42.0% 16.0% 3.0% 1.0% 100.0% 38.0% 38.0% 18.0% 4.0% 1.0% 100.0%2004-05 9016 10250 4078 865 327 24536 3.3 8939 9329 4181 1022 391 23862 3.3

36.7% 41.8% 16.6% 3.5% 1.3% 100.0% 37.0% 39.0% 18.0% 4.3% 1.6% 100.0%2005-06 9301 10190 4001 834 314 24640 3.3 9511 9408 3684 985 302 23890 3.3

37.7% 41.3% 16.2% 3.4% 1.3% 100.0% 39.8% 39.4% 15.4% 4.1% 1.3% 100.0%2006-07 9352 10050 3896 766 251 24315 3.4 9415 9308 3957 853 258 23791 3.4

38.5% 41.3% 16.0% 3.1% 1.0% 100.0% 39.6% 39.0% 16.7% 3.6% 1.1% 100.0%2007-08 9753 9983 3705 768 252 24,461 3.4 9641 9183 3844 923 278 23,869 3.4

49.9% 40.8% 15.2% 3.1% 1.0% 100.0% 40.4% 38.5% 16.1% 3.9% 1.2% 100.0%2008-09 9821 9805 3396 681 209 23,912 3.5 10329 8911 3329 648 209 23,426 3.5

41.1% 41.0% 14.2% 2.9% 0.9% 100.0% 44.1% 38.0% 14.2% 2.7% 0.9% 100.0%

First Semester Second Semester

9.6%

8.7%

8.0%

7.1%

7.8% 7.4%

6.6%

7.1%

6.6%

4.9%

5.9%

4.5%

4.5% 4.5%

5.5%

5.0%

4.4% 4.6%

3.7%

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

90-91 91-92 92-93 93-94 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09

D and F Average - 1990-2009

Percent D+F

Graduation Credits Earned2000 – 2009

Credits Earned 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

45 5.7% 4.0% 3.1% 3.3% 5.6% 3.3% 3.2% 3.0% 4.3% 4.2%

46-50 32.0% 27.8% 25.4% 25.6% 29.5% 26.3% 23.3% 23.9% 25.9% 23.6%

51-55 43.5% 48.5% 53.0% 48.4% 47.8% 49.5% 52.0% 51.9% 48.4% 49.7%

56-60 16.2% 16.5% 16.0% 20.0% 15.1% 15.6% 18.1% 17.9% 17.2% 18.7%

61-65 2.5% 2.4% 2.0% 2.3% 1.8% 2.9% 3.0% 3.1% 4.0% 2.4%

66-70 0.1% 0.8% 0.5% 0.3% 0.2% 0.0% 0.3% 0.2% 0.4% 0.6%