Illinois Graduation Rates Hit New High Despite Lower ACT Scores and Persistent Absenteeism
A significant improvement in graduation rates has been recorded in Illinois, with 89% of the class of 2025 graduating, marking a 15-year high. However, despite this achievement, the state's ACT scores have fallen below the national average, and students continue to miss an alarming number of classes.
According to Education Superintendent Tony Sanders, the $3 billion in new funding provided since 2017 has played a crucial role in boosting graduation rates. The increased funding has enabled schools to expand Advanced Placement courses and provide more opportunities for students to catch up on failed classes, thereby keeping them engaged and on track for success.
While elementary school students have shown improvement in test scores, the state's new standards for proficiency have resulted in a significant shift in what is considered "proficient." As Sanders noted, these revised standards have helped to accurately identify high-achieving students who were previously mislabeled as not meeting expectations. However, this change has also led to a decrease in overall test scores compared to previous years.
The ACT scores themselves reveal a concerning trend. The average composite score for Illinois high school students was 19.1, which is lower than the national average and below the state's historical average since 2016. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) fared even worse, with an average composite score of 15.9.
Despite these challenges, Education Superintendent Sanders remains optimistic, stating that his data suggests Illinois students are graduating prepared for college and careers. However, absenteeism remains a pressing concern, with nearly 25% of all Illinois students missing at least 10% of the school year. This issue is particularly acute among high schoolers, where chronic absence rates have soared to over 34%.
Research has consistently shown a direct correlation between attendance and learning outcomes. Yet, Sanders downplays concerns about absenteeism, arguing that his students are being adequately prepared for success. However, experts point out that addressing this issue will require a comprehensive approach that prioritizes student needs, including access to resources such as food, healthcare, counseling, and after-school programs.
In contrast, CPS officials acknowledge the need to improve attendance rates and ACT scores but emphasize their progress in increasing college enrollment rates. Despite a slight decline in the share of high school graduates enrolling in college, CPS has seen notable gains in this area overall.
As Illinois continues to navigate these challenges, it is clear that addressing the disparities between urban and suburban districts will be crucial. With millions of dollars dedicated to improving education infrastructure, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will translate into tangible results for students like those graduating from the class of 2025.
A significant improvement in graduation rates has been recorded in Illinois, with 89% of the class of 2025 graduating, marking a 15-year high. However, despite this achievement, the state's ACT scores have fallen below the national average, and students continue to miss an alarming number of classes.
According to Education Superintendent Tony Sanders, the $3 billion in new funding provided since 2017 has played a crucial role in boosting graduation rates. The increased funding has enabled schools to expand Advanced Placement courses and provide more opportunities for students to catch up on failed classes, thereby keeping them engaged and on track for success.
While elementary school students have shown improvement in test scores, the state's new standards for proficiency have resulted in a significant shift in what is considered "proficient." As Sanders noted, these revised standards have helped to accurately identify high-achieving students who were previously mislabeled as not meeting expectations. However, this change has also led to a decrease in overall test scores compared to previous years.
The ACT scores themselves reveal a concerning trend. The average composite score for Illinois high school students was 19.1, which is lower than the national average and below the state's historical average since 2016. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) fared even worse, with an average composite score of 15.9.
Despite these challenges, Education Superintendent Sanders remains optimistic, stating that his data suggests Illinois students are graduating prepared for college and careers. However, absenteeism remains a pressing concern, with nearly 25% of all Illinois students missing at least 10% of the school year. This issue is particularly acute among high schoolers, where chronic absence rates have soared to over 34%.
Research has consistently shown a direct correlation between attendance and learning outcomes. Yet, Sanders downplays concerns about absenteeism, arguing that his students are being adequately prepared for success. However, experts point out that addressing this issue will require a comprehensive approach that prioritizes student needs, including access to resources such as food, healthcare, counseling, and after-school programs.
In contrast, CPS officials acknowledge the need to improve attendance rates and ACT scores but emphasize their progress in increasing college enrollment rates. Despite a slight decline in the share of high school graduates enrolling in college, CPS has seen notable gains in this area overall.
As Illinois continues to navigate these challenges, it is clear that addressing the disparities between urban and suburban districts will be crucial. With millions of dollars dedicated to improving education infrastructure, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will translate into tangible results for students like those graduating from the class of 2025.
! But, have you guys thought about how this might impact our future workforce? With ACT scores trending lower, I worry that some of these kids might not be getting the prep they need for in-demand careers... 
. We gotta do better than this! Increased funding is one thing, but what about more support services and programs to help these kids stay on track? 
. With nearly 25% of students missing at least 10% of the school year, it's alarming to think about how many students are falling behind due to lack of attendance.
. It's reassuring that Education Superintendent Sanders is optimistic about his data, but I'd be more confident if he acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this issue.
. With millions of dollars dedicated to improving education infrastructure, it's essential that we prioritize the needs of all students, not just those who are doing well.
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, but it's also a reminder that there's still much work to be done to address these issues.
; it needs to be targeted towards specific areas like after-school programs and resources for students who are struggling.
, which could potentially affect the accuracy of assessments and evaluations.
, not just those with high ACT scores or perfect attendance records.
I'm loving this trend of Illinois schools hitting a high graduation rate! It's amazing that $3 billion in new funding has made such a huge difference 
. But, I gotta say, the ACT scores are kinda concerning... 19.1 is lower than the national average and below what it was back in 2016 
. I get why they've revised the standards to better identify high-achieving students, but that shift in scores is a bit alarming 
. Chronic absence rates among high schoolers are soaring and it's gotta be addressed ASAP! We need to talk about getting these kids the resources they need, like food, healthcare, counseling, and after-school programs 
.
. The students graduating today deserve nothing but the best, and I'm rooting for them 
Illinois is literally killing it with graduation rates increasing by 15% - 89% of the class of 2025 graduated which is insane! 
but at the same time ACT scores are lower than national average and absentsm is still super high like 25% of students missing more than 10% of school year is crazy 
but like 1 million college enrollments is still PROGRESS 
right? 
Ugh, that's a whole other can of worms. I get that education is super complex and multifaceted, but come on, addressing that issue needs to be a top priority. We can't keep ignoring it and hoping for the best.
. Chronic absence rates among high schoolers are sky-high. We need to see some real progress on this front if we want to ensure these students are adequately prepared for college and careers.
. It sounds like they're just patching things up instead of figuring out why kids are absent in the first place 
but at what cost? lower act scores & persistent absenteeism r still major probs. cant just throw more $$$ @ schools & expect everything 2 magically fix itself. need 2 address those underlying issues like access 2 resources 4 all students, not jst the high achievers. CPS is makin progress in college enrollment but lets be real, that dont mean ABSHOLUTELY EVERYTHING IS OKAY 
- 25% of students missing at least 10% of the year? That's just not okay.
. I get that college enrollment rates have improved, but 15.9 isn't exactly something to brag about either.
. I feel for those high schoolers who are missin out on so many classes - research shows attendance is super important for learnin outcomes... maybe schools should focus on addressin that before they worry about ACT scores too much? 
. Like, 25% of students missing school? That's a big deal 
. Chicago Public Schools having slightly better college enrollment rates is a plus, I suppose 
. But overall, it feels like more money and effort aren't going to fix the problems 
. That can't be good for learning outcomes. Experts say attendance affects learning, but it seems like officials are downplaying this issue 
. We need more than just words to address absenteeism - we need actual solutions and accountability 