The Illinois State Board of Education is releasing the latest school report card, with a look at how the pandemic has affected Illinois schools
More than $7-billion in federal funding has gone to schools to help address challenges presented by the virus. This has let districts hire more staff says ISBE Research Officer Brenda Dixon.
“We must continue expanding the teacher type mind in order to meet this demand. But overall it’s good news that our teacher workforce continues to grow, and that our school districts have the financial capacity to hire the staff that students need for a well rounded and rigorous education.”
Dixon says schools have added more minority teachers, but that the lowest retention rates are among black teachers.
The data also shows that student enrollment has dropped over the year, especially among younger children says State Schools Superintendent Carmen Ayala.
“Illinois State Board of Education is working with the Governor’s office of Early Childhood Development on a re-engagement and reenrollment campaign for families with small children. The campaign will address barriers to enrollment and ensure that families know how important pre-school and kindergarten are. And that it is safe for children to attend.”
Ayala says participation in advanced placement and dual credit courses is up, but there’s been a drop in the number of students meeting learning standards, particularly in language arts and math. She says ISBE plans to launch a tutoring initiative early next year to help struggling kids get caught up.
