Urbana High School's restructuring getting rave reviews

URBANA – It's fifth period, and two girls recline in cushy chairs, one reading "Twilight," the other immersed in "The Memory Keeper's Daughter." Nearby, sophomore John Willrem works on homework, while a student near him writes in his planner.

What kind of class is this?

Welcome to Urbana High School, version 2008-09.

Before the school got news this fall that it had passed state testing benchmarks, everyone prepared for the worst. For four years, the high school hadn't made adequate yearly progress, and if it hadn't in the fifth, it would have to restructure – to change the school in ways that would make a tangible difference in student learning.

But, though the school did pass, it's restructuring anyway.

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