The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the 2019 Illinois Report Card at www.IllinoisReportCard.com. The 2019 data show historic increases in students taking and succeeding in rigorous college and career preparation courses – representing four years of continuous growth and reflecting Illinois’ investments in equity and opportunity. Illinois now has its most racially and linguistically diverse student population in recent history, which amplifies its gains. “Illinois has focused intensively on college and career readiness for all students,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “Illinois’ gains demonstrate that each and every child can succeed when provided the rigor, resources, and academic and social-emotional supports they need. I am proud of Illinois’ students and educators and energized for the future of Illinois’ schools.”
Governor JB Pritzker’s fiscal year 2020 budget included an additional $375 million for Evidence-Based Funding, which largely goes to the least well-funded school districts. The 2019 Illinois Report Card offers a new look at where dollars go within a district. The Illinois Report Card displays spending at the school level for the first time ever. Exploring this new level of financial data in context can deepen understanding of equity in Illinois and of the relationships between spending, student characteristics, and student outcomes. School districts across Illinois have invested new Evidence-Based Funding in educators – hiring additional teachers, social workers, and counselors; reducing class sizes; and investing in professional development. Teacher diversity, retention, and attendance, as well as the total number of teachers in the state, showed slight upticks in 2019. ISBE remains committed to strengthening the teacher pipeline and profession so all students have an effective educator in every class, every day. Find the 2019 Illinois Report Card at www.IllinoisReportCard.com and resources, such as a glossary of terms and other fact sheets, at www.isbe.net/ReportCard.
