Illinois Graduation Rate Hits New High Amid Lower ACT Scores, Chronic Absenteeism
The state of Illinois has achieved a 15-year high in graduation rates for the class of 2025, with a statewide rate of 89%, according to the latest report card released by Education Superintendent Tony Sanders. The improvement is attributed, in part, to the $3 billion in new state funding provided to schools since 2017, which has enabled districts to implement various strategies to boost student engagement and academic success.
However, despite the high graduation rate, performance on the ACT exam remains below the national average, with the statewide composite score of 18.1 being lower than the 20.1 score achieved by the class of 2016. Chicago Public Schools, which also saw a significant increase in graduation rates, struggled to match this feat, with an average ACT composite score of 15.1.
The reason behind this disparity lies in the fact that Illinois has recently switched back to the ACT exam after having used the SAT for several years, and as such, the scores cannot be directly compared to previous years' results. According to Education Commissioner Rae Clementz, the new test format meets current learning standards and is not a cause for concern.
Interestingly, while graduation rates have improved, chronic absenteeism remains a persistent issue in Illinois schools, with about 25% of all students missing at least 10% of school time, according to Sanders. This figure has actually increased since before the pandemic, with high schoolers being disproportionately affected.
Research has shown that attendance is closely linked to academic success, and yet Sanders argues that Illinois' graduates are well-prepared for college or careers. He points out that fewer community college students are taking remedial classes than a decade ago as evidence of this.
Chicago Public Schools have acknowledged that they still need to tackle the issue of absenteeism and improve ACT scores, but they are heartened by rising numbers of their graduates who stay enrolled in college beyond the first year, suggesting that their students can succeed with proper support. The district's interim CEO/Supt., Macquline King, attributes this success to CPS' focus on addressing the needs of its most vulnerable students, including those from low-income backgrounds and with disabilities.
The state of Illinois has achieved a 15-year high in graduation rates for the class of 2025, with a statewide rate of 89%, according to the latest report card released by Education Superintendent Tony Sanders. The improvement is attributed, in part, to the $3 billion in new state funding provided to schools since 2017, which has enabled districts to implement various strategies to boost student engagement and academic success.
However, despite the high graduation rate, performance on the ACT exam remains below the national average, with the statewide composite score of 18.1 being lower than the 20.1 score achieved by the class of 2016. Chicago Public Schools, which also saw a significant increase in graduation rates, struggled to match this feat, with an average ACT composite score of 15.1.
The reason behind this disparity lies in the fact that Illinois has recently switched back to the ACT exam after having used the SAT for several years, and as such, the scores cannot be directly compared to previous years' results. According to Education Commissioner Rae Clementz, the new test format meets current learning standards and is not a cause for concern.
Interestingly, while graduation rates have improved, chronic absenteeism remains a persistent issue in Illinois schools, with about 25% of all students missing at least 10% of school time, according to Sanders. This figure has actually increased since before the pandemic, with high schoolers being disproportionately affected.
Research has shown that attendance is closely linked to academic success, and yet Sanders argues that Illinois' graduates are well-prepared for college or careers. He points out that fewer community college students are taking remedial classes than a decade ago as evidence of this.
Chicago Public Schools have acknowledged that they still need to tackle the issue of absenteeism and improve ACT scores, but they are heartened by rising numbers of their graduates who stay enrolled in college beyond the first year, suggesting that their students can succeed with proper support. The district's interim CEO/Supt., Macquline King, attributes this success to CPS' focus on addressing the needs of its most vulnerable students, including those from low-income backgrounds and with disabilities.
so like i'm reading this and graduation rates are up, thats great, but then you gotta wonder why act scores are still pretty low 
i mean, $3 billion in new funding doesnt seem like a lot considering the big picture stuff that goes into these exams... chronic absenteeism is still a major issue too, which makes me think its not just about individual students vs schools, its more about systemic problems 
maybe instead of focusing on test scores we should be looking at how well our education system is preparing students for real life challenges 
i mean 89% is def a good number but what does it really say about our education system if kids can graduate without knowin squat about algebra or physics? 
and chronic absenteeism? 25% of students missin school? thats crazy! 
hows that even possible in 2025 when everyone knows how important showin up to class is 
btw, i still remember the good ol days when napster was the best music streaming service 
. chronic absenteeism still a big issue, 25% of kids missin out on so much school time... that's crazy! & now dey're tellin us dat dis is proof da kids r ready for college? please, it's just statistics 
. and why did CPS even switch back to ACT in da first place? sounds like a total mess 
! The $3 billion in new funding has definitely made a difference, and I'm all for it 
. However, I gotta wonder if the ACT scores are really that low 
. It's all about focusin' on the vulnerable students and gettin' them the support they need 
. Let's keep it up, Illinois! You got this 
#IllinoisGraduationRate #EducationReform #FundingMatters
it's not just about the grades or the test scores, it's about showin' up and bein' invested in your own education. think about it like this: if 25% of students are missin' that much school time, what other areas of their life are they gonna struggle with? it's all interconnected 
ACT scores might be a bit low 
But hey, who needs good grades when you can have a diploma? 
Chronic absenteeism is still a thing 
25% of students missing 10%+ school time = no bueno 
. It's wild that 25% of students are missin' like 10% of school time, and it's not just affectin' kids from low-income backgrounds or with disabilities either 
. We're so focused on gettin' them ACT scores up that we forget about the kids who are strugglin' in class. I mean, research shows attendance is key to success, but when do we start takin' action? It's not just about throwin' more money at schools (although, let's be real, $3 billion ain't bad 
.
And chronic absenteeism is still a huge problem? 25% of students missing at least 10% of school time is crazy 
Still, $3 billion in new funding can't be ignored - it's like they're trying to bribe students into staying on track. 
25% of students missing school time is no joke, and it's not like they're even getting caught most of the time. That's some serious lack of accountability from our schools! 
. I mean, 25% of students missing 10% of school time? That's just crazy! On the bright side, it sounds like CPS is making progress with their most vulnerable students, and that's super heartening 
. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from them about supporting our own struggling students