NIU and the Illinois State Board of Education are recognizing 26 “Spotlight Schools” throughout the state for their academics – including one in DeKalb.

The schools, which range from pre-kindergarten to high school, have a majority of students who come from low-income families, yet still excel academically.

Marilyn McConachie, director of the Spotlight Schools Project for NIU Outreach, said NIU did research in 2002 about schools that had a high academic performance level and a high level of poverty. She said they then went to the Illinois State Board of Education and recommended awards be given to these schools. The board agreed.

McConachie said it’s important to honor these students and schools, because no one expects them to excel.

“These schools take every kind of student from every type of background, and these kids do fabulous work,” McConachie said.

In order to be considered a Spotlight School, there are four main criteria that have to be met.

At least 50 percent of the school must be composed of low-income students. At least 50 percent of the students must have met or exceeded state standards in reading and math in 2002, and 60 percent in 2003.

The school also must show that adequate yearly progress has been made. Schools must have a 95 percent participation rate in state assessments for all students. At least 40 percent of students must meet or exceed standards in both reading and mathematics. Schools also must have an attendance rate of 88 percent for elementary and middle schools and 65 percent for high schools.

McConachie said less than half of all state schools showed adequate yearly progress.

DeKalb’s Jefferson Elementary School was one of the 26 schools recognized on this year’s list.

Jefferson Elementary School Principal Merri-Lynne Seaburg credits her “wonderful” staff for the students’ success, and said they try to treat their students as if they were their own kids.

“We try to think what would we want for our own child,” Seaburg said. “It’s a huge bond of trust that the families give us to help their students.”

Seaburg said her staff doesn’t do anything special to prepare students for the math and reading tests. She said it’s a process that goes on year-round that includes establishing goals and expectations for their students.

Jefferson will accept its award at a ceremony later this week in Naperville.

This is the first year of the Spotlight Schools program, and McConachie said NIU plans to continue it on an annual basis.