Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released the 2024 Illinois Report Card, highlighting significant achievements in education across the state. Students in grades 3-8 have reached a record-high proficiency rate in English language arts, attributed to efforts to enhance literacy statewide. High schools also achieved a new milestone with the highest-ever four-year graduation rate, notably driven by improvements among Black students.

Governor JB Pritzker commented on these developments: “Students across Illinois are reaching new heights and educators are setting a powerful example of success. This year's Report Card shows our highest graduation rate in 14 years at 87.7%, led by the incredible achievements of Black students, and strengthened by the state's investments in Career and Technical Education."

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders praised the progress: “Illinois has seen tremendous, nation-leading recovery in English language arts, thanks to the talented teachers, principals, and superintendents... We have also set a new record for our high school graduation rate."

The proficiency rate for English Language Arts among grades 3-8 students is now at 40.9%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels across all demographic groups. ISBE attributes this success to educators implementing best practices through initiatives like the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan.

In terms of high school performance, Illinois' graduation rate reached an all-time high of 87.7%. This increase is partly due to enhanced access to advanced coursework and Career and Technical Education (CTE), which have kept students engaged.

Participation in CTE programs has grown significantly among all student groups since 2022, supported by increased state funding aimed at equitable distribution for CTE initiatives.

Despite these successes, challenges remain in math proficiency recovery for grades 3-8 and overall academic performance at the high school level. ISBE plans to develop a comprehensive math plan similar to its literacy strategy.

Chronic absenteeism improved for a second consecutive year but remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, particularly among high school students.

While there is progress in reducing college remediation rates through transitional courses that guarantee placement into credit-bearing classes without tests, ISBE acknowledges ongoing teacher shortages despite increases in recruitment efforts.

The report card reflects growing diversity within student enrollment as well as stabilization following previous declines linked to national birth rates.

For detailed data from the report card or interactive visualizations, visit lllinoisreportcard.com or check out ISBE's webpage for further insights into educational trends over recent years.