Earns the SchoolSearchä 2004 Bright Red Apple™ Award of Excellence

SchoolSearch™ announces the 11^th annual Illinois School District 2004 Bright Red Apple™ Awards of excellence. The award is based on 5 primary categories (Information Source: 2003 IL Report Card Data):

Academic Performance
Pupil/Teacher Ratio
Operating Expenditure Per Pupil
Educational Level of Teachers
Average Teacher Salary

SchoolSearch™ 2004 Bright Red Apple™ Award Recipients are strong in all five categories. It is a pleasure honoring school districts that strive to provide their students with an outstanding educational environment. Ninety-five (95) Illinois School Districts (out of 892 school districts) are honored with the award.

All school districts in Illinois are considered for the award and the award criteria are based on objective factors – so that all districts are judged fairly. The award criteria are based on the primary areas of concern of most of their relocating families. SchoolSearch™ is dedicated to helping families make informed school choices. While statistical factors are revealing, it is very important for families to visit schools that are of interest to them.

Award Criteria:

Elementary Award Criteria (based on IL State district averages for each category): Teachers with Master’s Degrees or Above>46%; Pupil/Teacher Ratio<= 18.4:1; Average Teacher Salary >= $44,197; Operating Expenditure Per Pupil >= $7,570; and Average Level 4 percentage of 3^rd, 5^th and 8^th grade ISAT (Illinois Standards Achievement Test) percentages of Reading, Math and Writing >= 13.50 (Level 4 is the highest standards level of the ISAT.)
Secondary Award Criteria (based on IL State district averages for each category): Teachers with Master’s Degrees or Above >= 46%; Pupil/Teacher Ratio <= 18:2; Average Teacher Salary >= $51,672; Operating Expenditure Per Pupil >= $8,181; and ACT composite score of all students tested >= 20.0.