The latest Illinois School Report Card shows the highest graduation rate in a decade.
More than 87% of students completed high school in the 2022 school year, with gains driven by an increase in minority grads says State Superintendent Carmen Ayala.
“The graduation rates for black and Hispanic students have grown every year since 2018 jumping a total of 6% for black students and 5.3% for Hispanic students over the past 4 years.
The Report Card also shows student growth in English and Math and an increase in kids taking career and technical education or dual credit courses.
One area of concern on the new Report Card is an increase in Chronic Absenteeism.
Although students resumed full in-person learning last year, there was a 2% drop in attendance rates. Additionally, Ayala says 30% of students missed around 17 days or more.
“There are many factors that may have contributed to higher chronic absenteeism and lower student attendance including Covid, intermittent remote learning, social, emotional and mental health struggles. Also school districts having difficulty remote versus absent students.”
Minority students were more likely to frequently miss school. Ayala says the State Board of Education is already working to address the problem through truancy intervention, counseling and home visits.
Data for your child’s school is available online at: illinoisreportcard.com
