Ted Dabrowski, a candidate for Illinois governor, has expressed concerns over the current performance of public schools in the state. He said that “public-school performance is too low” and committed to prioritizing universal school choice if elected.
“Today, only a third of the students in our public schools perform at grade level,” said Dabrowski, Gubernatorial Candidate. “And the outcomes are even worse for minorities, leaving students to struggle when they look for employment or additional schooling after graduation. As governor, fighting for school choice will be my top priority. We need universal school choice like both Indiana and Iowa have.”
According to the Illinois Report Card, an official school accountability platform, proficiency measures are derived from various assessments across different grade levels. These include the Illinois Assessment of Readiness and college-readiness exams. The platform serves as a central reference for tracking statewide and local educational trends, providing insights into proficiency, subgroup outcomes, and individual school performance.
A recent report summarized by Capitol News Illinois highlighted that fewer than 40% of tested students achieved proficiency or better in English language arts, while less than 30% did so in math. This report also pointed out persistent racial disparities in educational outcomes. For instance, fourth-grade math proficiency rates for white students significantly surpass those for Black and Hispanic students.
Neighboring states have implemented large-scale school choice programs with detailed eligibility criteria. Iowa’s Department of Education has introduced Students First Education Savings Accounts with universal eligibility for resident K–12 students regardless of income. Indiana’s Department of Education outlines eligibility for its Choice Scholarship voucher program, with ongoing policy changes aimed at removing income limits.
Dabrowski is recognized as a conservative policy advocate focusing on data-driven approaches to taxes, spending, public safety, and education. His campaign biography notes his previous roles as president of Wirepoints and vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. He also has experience in international banking and finance.
