Annually, US News and World Reports conducts an exhaustive study to determine the best high schools in the United States. To be awarded such an honor a school must be determined to have students performing better than statistically expected for the average student in the state. US News and World Reports begins by examining the reading and math results for all students on each states high school proficiency tests. They then factor in the percentage of economically disadvantaged students (who tend to score lower) enrolled at the school to identify the schools that were performing better than statistical expectations.
For those schools that made it past this first step, the second step determined whether the schools least-advantaged students (black, Hispanic, and low-income) were performing better than average for similar students in the state. The next comparison is between each schools math and reading proficiency rates for disadvantaged students to the statewide results for these student groups. Schools that were performing better than this state average were recognized in the report.
In total, US News nationally ranked the 4,877 highest-scoring schools in the nation with such a distinction.
For the first time in school history, Oregon High School has been recognized among this elite group. This honor caps off a tremendously successful year at Oregon High School which included:
-A teacher was selected as an exemplary nominee for the ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) Outstanding Young Educator Award this fall 2011.
-The Hawks Take Flight team was recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as part of the 2011-2012 Those Who Excel Awards program, with the highest level honor in the team category, the Award of Excellence.
-OHS staff members were selected to present at regional, state, and national conferences this year sharing their expertise with colleagues.
-5 OHS teachers earned National Board Certification
-Oregon High School was awarded the IPA/Horace Mann Partners in Education Award.
Oregon High School Principal PJ Caposey stated, “I am honored that Oregon High School has earned this prestigious recognition and am pleased that it will bring pride to the students, staff, and community. The tireless of work of our faculty and staff to provide a rigorous education for our students in attempt to enact our mission has brought positive attention to the school, but the true reward is the current and future success of our students.”
