Illinois low-income, minority students lag statewide test scores
The Illinois Policy Institute found chronic absenteeism plagues both students, teachers

CHICAGO (Nov. 12, 2025) – New data show Illinois’ low-income and minority students have fallen behind their peers in reading and math, even after the state lowered the scores needed to be considered “proficient” in reading and math in 2025.

An Illinois Policy Institute analysis found low-income students in third through eighth grade scored 16 percentage points below the statewide average in both reading and math. Black students trailed by more than 20 points, and Hispanic students by 12 to 13 points.

Among high schoolers, just 33% of low-income 11th graders met reading proficiency on the ACT and 20% met math standards – nearly 20 points below the statewide average.

Illinois students also struggle with chronic absenteeism: 35% of low-income students, 39% of Black students and 32% of Hispanic students missed 10% or more of the school year, compared to 25% of students statewide.

“These low rates of proficiency and large achievement gaps show too many Illinois students aren’t getting the preparation they need to succeed in school,” said Hannah Schmid, policy analyst at the Illinois Policy Institute.

Students aren’t alone in missing so many days of school: one-third of Illinois teachers missed 10 or more school days, the institute found. Chicago Teachers Union members recorded even lower attendance than the rest of the state, with attendance hitting the lowest rate in nearly a decade, the institute found.

“Illinois students deserve educators who lead by example. Rather than lowering standards, state leaders should focus on reintegrating proven learning methods that get kids back on track to read and do math at grade level. It’s also critical for both students and teachers to be more engaged as student absenteeism is too high and teacher attendance too low,” Schmid said. 

State leaders should help students achieve by adopting the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, which would allow Illinois public school families to access scholarship funds for tutoring, supplemental lessons, educational materials or dual enrollment fees.

To read more about Illinois’ education crisis, visit illin.is/academics2025.

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.