Illinois has the most rigorous standards in the nation.

Illinois educators have a lot to be proud of. According to U.S. News & World Report, our state ranks #6 in the nation for prek-12 education. Six Illinois districts are among the top 20 public school districts in the nation, including claiming the top two spots. Last year, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (aka “The Nation’s Report Card”) showed that our students scored above the national average in both reading and math for Grades 4 and 8, while many other states saw declines. And we rank #11 for youth mental health.

So why does Illinois have an average proficiency rate of 30.1%? What does that mean?

Illinois has the most rigorous standards in the nation. Each state measures “proficiency” differently. It’s like comparing homeruns across ballparks with vastly different outfields or comparing someone’s mile time on a flat track versus mountain terrain.

Being "proficient” in Illinois requires much more than reading on grade level. Our standards include a depth and breadth of higher order language arts skills, including writing, logic, critical thinking, and analysis. Out of five levels, only the top two count as “proficient” in Illinois. These high standards guide us to ensure our students are truly ready for rigorous content at the next grade level.

School context also matters. National research shows that schools’ proficiency rates strongly correlate to the income levels of the families they serve. The schools that serve historically under-resourced communities, students in alternative schools, and high numbers of English Learners (who take these federally required accountability assessments in English, even though they have not yet mastered the language) have a steeper hill to climb to reach “proficiency” but are often achieving incredible things, as measured by graduation rates, the Seal of Biliteracy, participation in Advanced Placement, and other indicators.

That does not mean each school does not have room to grow. And we are growing. During the pandemic, the starting line got moved back significantly, but last school year, Illinois schools experienced accelerated growth, meaning they learned more and faster than in a typical pre-pandemic year. They may not have crossed that “finish line” into proficiency, but they made enormous progress given where they started. 

As lawmakers are developing the fiscal year 2024 budget, we are advocating for funding to continue accelerating students’ growth and closing gaps: funding to expand high-quality preschool programs, so all children have access to the opportunities they need to be prepared for kindergarten, investments in Evidence-Based Funding to address historic inequities, and grants for districts with chronic teacher shortages. We are administering high-impact tutoring statewide to get students back on track from the pandemic. And last but not least, we are supporting the educators who show up every day to help our students succeed. 

I encourage all schools to take this opportunity to share your story behind the data. The people pushing a narrative of failure are not connected to the reality within our schools. We have the opportunity in sharing our stories to do what we do best – to educate.