Chicago Public Schools students return to class Aug. 24. Most still aren’t reading or doing math at grade level and absenteeism remains high.

State data shows that reading and math proficiency remain low and chronic absenteeism remains high.

More than 160 districts in Illinois bar participation by those who aren’t full-time students in their schools.

Federal scholarships could give low-income students access to ACT tutors and study materials to help them improve on the college exam.

Chicago Public Schools’ low-income and minority students recorded lower proficiency rates than the state average. They are also missing more school.

New Illinois State Board of Education data shows low-income and minority public school students are struggling, scoring well below average.

Newly released data from state assessments show just half of Illinois public school students could read at grade level and 2-in-5 could do math proficiently in 2025. That’s after the state lowered proficiency standards to make the numbers look better.