Goal-setting in education is a tedious task and can often be frustrating. Can the goal be accurately measured? Will it have full buy-in from all stakeholders? Most importantly, will it evoke real, positive change for students? In its 123rd year of operation, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 is setting an ambitious goal that checks all these boxes and will be a valuable initiative for all.
District 123 began a 3-year journey of helping 100% of District 123 students meet or exceed their NWEA MAP growth goals in Reading and Mathematics.
“We believe in our students and their potential to excel, as well as our ability to help make a difference,” District 123 Superintendent Dr. Paul Enderle said. “Shared responsibility toward an ambitious goal is like a group of climbers tethered together, each step taken by one strengthens the whole, ensuring that everyone reaches the summit together. In District 123 shared responsibility means having a 100% academic goal does not just rest on the shoulders of our instructional staff, it calls for a united effort from everyone. Every role plays a part.”
The “100% All In” mindset unites students, families, and the school community in a shared mission to support each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth, fostering trust, accountability, and collaboration to help every student meet their NWEA MAP growth goals in Reading and Mathematics.
In the classroom, we see this mission in action during daily What I Need (WIN) math and English Language Arts exercises. During this time, students receive more individualized instruction based on their skills in math and reading to ensure continual growth and progress.
While the final results of the 3-year plan will be measured using testing data, the District is also tracking key indicators that reflect the “100% All In” commitment, including attendance rates, family engagement, and community enthusiasm around school improvement efforts.
District 123 is already seeing the “100% All In” mindset take root within the community after a high participation rate of over 85% of families and students in the recent Fall Family Conference process and an improved overall student attendance rate this school year, a key indicator that our families are embracing the responsibility and willing to partner together with us in helping our children grow.
Goal-setting within the “100% All In” approach boosts student motivation, engagement, and ownership of their learning, positively impacting academic performance and social-emotional development while building a stronger connection between home and school.
“The moment we embrace a 100% vision, we realize that failure is no longer an option since we are always working towards getting better and improving,” Dr. Enderle said. “In fact, the power of the 100% vision is so strong, it should overcome fear and doubt, and help us become more focused on reaching our vision for each student. When we get to that point, we become unstoppable.”