Proviso Press Release

Progress Reflects Strong Gains in Academic Performance and Student Success

MAYWOOD, IL — Proviso Township High Schools District 209 is thrilled to announce that Proviso East High School has achieved a "Commendable" designation for the first time since the Illinois State Board of Education began rating schools in 2018. This designation is part of the newly released 2024 Illinois Report Card, providing an in-depth view of student performance and growth from the 2023-24 school year. View Proviso East’s annual Report Card at www.illinoisreportcard.com.

This commendable designation reflects significant improvements in academic performance and underscores the district's dedication to student success. Proviso East High School made measurable gains across key academic indicators, including a 5% increase in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, a 2% increase in math proficiency, and a notable 14% increase in science proficiency. These achievements exceed the district’s overall growth in proficiency, which includes a 2% rise in both ELA and math and a 19% increase in science.

The school’s progress doesn’t stop there; Proviso East also improved its graduation rate by 2% and reduced chronic absenteeism by 8%. Additionally, the school has moved from the bottom 5% of Illinois schools to now rank in the 47th percentile, a significant leap in statewide positioning. Principal, Rodney Hull, has now taken Proviso East from Intensive Support (Comprehensive for 4-yrs), to Targeted in 2022, and now Commendable. These strides also reflect the impact of our teacher’s dedication, and efforts of our students. In addition, the interim leadership of Mr. Luke Pavone and Mr. Alexander Aschoff, who supported and guided these advancements.

"I am incredibly proud for all the stakeholders in Proviso Township and am grateful for everyone’s efforts who made this possible," said Interim Superintendent Alexander Aschoff. “This achievement has been a long-time goal, and now with each of our schools being recognized as Commendable, it is time to set a new goal to continue our ‘Pursuit of Nothing But The Best,’ as our district motto affirms.”

"The Proviso East community is proud of the growth that the school has experienced in the last three years," added Principal Rodney Hull. "Coming off the pandemic with a new administration, and over 70 new teachers makes this recognition and school designation special. As we continue to explore new pathways of reaching and educating our students, the foundation for future growth has been mapped out."

Illinois’s summative designations, required by federal accountability law, are based on multiple indicators, such as graduation rates, academic growth, and attendance. This progress also reflects the district’s investments in key programs that support both academic and personal growth for students.

Further highlights from the 2024 Illinois Report Card include:

• English Language Arts (ELA) Proficiency: Increased by 5% at Proviso East (2% district-wide increase)
• Math Proficiency: Increased by 2% at Proviso East (matching district-wide improvement)
• Science Proficiency: Largest improvement, with a 14% rise at Proviso East (19% increase district-wide)
• Graduation Rate: Increased by 2%
• Chronic Absenteeism: Decreased by 8%

This year, as the district celebrates Proviso East’s commendable designation, we also proudly recognize that both Proviso West High School and Proviso Math and Science Academy have consistently maintained commendable designations. Together, these schools demonstrate District 209’s collective commitment to fostering an environment where all students can excel and achieve high academic standards.

For a detailed look at District 209’s Illinois Report Card and to learn more about each school’s accomplishments, visit www.illinoisreportcard.com.