Illinois Students' Performance Under Loosened Standards
Newly released data from state assessments reveal that only half of Illinois public school students can read at grade level, while 2-in-5 can do math proficiently in 2025.
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, 50% of students could read at grade level and 39% were proficient in math on 2025 state assessments.
The state lowered proficiency standards in 2025, artificially inflating the number of students meeting standards and making it difficult for parents to compare proficiency rates to previous years.
- Enrollment continues to decline.
- Absenteeism remains high.
Many students are reported as “proficient” but are struggling.
Author's summary: Illinois students' performance remains a concern despite loosened standards.