Summit Hill School District 161 | October 15, 2025

Article Summary: Summit Hill School District 161 has achieved significant academic growth, with preliminary 2025 state assessment data showing proficiency rates of 71.6% in English Language Arts and 61% in math. The results, presented by the district’s new curriculum director, indicate that all four schools are expected to earn a “Commendable” or “Exemplary” rating from the state.

State Report Card Key Points:

• Preliminary data from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) shows a 71.6% proficiency rate in English Language Arts and a 61% rate in math for students in grades 3-8.

• Over the past four years, the district has seen a 28% increase in ELA proficiency and a 23% increase in math proficiency.

• Science proficiency for fifth and eighth graders stands at 63.8%.

• Based on these results, all district schools have earned a preliminary summative designation of “Commendable” or higher, with final ratings to be released on October 30.

The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, received a highly positive update on student performance, with preliminary state report card data revealing substantial gains in English, math, and science proficiency across the district.

In her first presentation to the board as Interim Director of Curriculum, Deniz Aslan shared the preliminary results from the 2025 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) and Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). The data showed that 71.6% of students in grades 3-8 met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts (ELA), while 61% did so in math. Science proficiency among fifth and eighth graders was 63.8%.

These figures represent a significant upward trend for the district. Over the last four years, Summit Hill 161 has seen a 28% increase in ELA proficiency and a 23% rise in math.

“This is exciting information. I have good news to share today,” Aslan told the board. “A lot goes into a growth like that. Obviously, parent support, our hardworking students, our dedicated staff and administrators are all a part of this beautiful growth that we’re seeing.”

Aslan noted that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) adjusted its scoring benchmarks this year, which contributed to the increase, but she emphasized that the change does not diminish the work done by students and staff.

Based on these academic indicators, as well as factors like chronic absenteeism and school climate survey participation, all four of the district’s schools have earned a preliminary summative designation of “Commendable” or “Exemplary.” An “Exemplary” rating is reserved for the top 10% of all schools in Illinois. The final, official designations will be made public by ISBE on October 30.

Board members expressed enthusiasm for the results. In response to a question from board member Adrian Chavez about how the district compares nationally, Superintendent Dr. Paul McDermott noted that Illinois has historically had one of the most rigorous testing standards in the country. He explained that ISBE’s recent benchmark adjustments were made to better align with national standards.

The district plans to continue focusing on ELA and math growth, with a particular emphasis on supporting English Learners (EL) to improve their progress toward proficiency.