By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois Policy Institute policy analyst Hannah Schmid is sounding the alarm about the state’s dimming prospects given Chicago Public Schools ongoing struggles, including less than half of all third through eighth grade students now reading and performing math below grade level.

The latest Illinois Report Card tells the sad tale, with the somber numbers holding true even after the Illinois State Board of Education lowered annual proficiency standards. Overall, data shows just 43% of students meet reading standards and only 27% are performing competently in math.

“There’s definitely both a social cost and economic cost to students not getting the best education and being prepared for life beyond their years within the public school system,” Schmid told The Center Square. “It’s important that we’re making sure students aren’t just getting through these 13 years from pre-K to grade 12, but they’re well prepared for success beyond graduation and have the skills needed to contribute to our city.”

Numbers also show when it comes to 11th graders, students weren’t faring much better, with only 40% at grade level in reading and 25% proficient in math.

As sobering as some may view the data, Schmid argues no one should be surprised by it given 1-in-4 Illinois students are now stamped as chronically absent or missing at least 10% of school.

“One issue that we see in Chicago is extremely high rates of absenteeism among students,” she said. “The system’s struggling to engage kids and keep them in class regularly. High absenteeism is an issue, and it’s a warning sign for students and for families because frequently missing school puts students at higher risks of poor outcomes.”

With the state’s current absenteeism rates now at all-time high levels and the overall stakes being as high as they are, Hannah argues it’s time for action.

“I think there needs to be more meaningful school district policies,” she said. “Absenteeism isn’t just about students; it’s about parents making sure their kids are getting to school. I think there are ways we can engage families more in the education of their students. We need full community support and buy-in for this.”

School absenteeism across the state accelerated following the pandemic, peaking at 29.8% in 2022. During the 2024-2025 school year, Illinois public schools enrolled 1,848,560 students in preschool through 12th grade, a drop of 2m700 students from the year prior.