The Sullivan High School (Chicago, IL) is one of the least successful schools in the state. The average composite ACT score at this school is 14.8 whereas the same figure at the state level is 20.3 (“2013 Illinois School Report Cards” n.p.).
It is necessary to note that the situation improved (insignificantly) in 2013 compared to 2012 (“Sullivan High School (9-12)” n.p.). Interestingly, results in mathematics and science are better than the results in reading and English (“2013 Illinois School Report Cards” n.p.).
It is important to add that the school is attended by students coming from underprivileged groups. For instance, 91.4% of students come from families with low-income and 13.5% of students are homeless (“2013 Illinois School Report Cards” n.p.). At that, 44.5% of students are Black, 33.6% are Hispanic and 14.3% are Asian (“2013 Illinois School Report Cards” n.p.). These numbers suggest that students face numerous issues and are distracted from their academic activities.
It is clear that students at this school have fewer opportunities compared to other schools where parents can afford more services and better conditions for their children. It is also possible to assume that poor performance in the English language can be explained by the fact that many children speak English as the second language and may have extra difficulties with this discipline.
Therefore, it is essential to develop a new strategy for the school. It is possible to address investors and numerous organizations which could fund the school (for better facilities, faculty and so on). It is also necessary to launch a program aimed at encouraging students to work hard in their academic life to have more opportunities in the future.
Works Cited
2013 Illinois School Report Cards. Web.
Sullivan High School (9-12). Web.