Illinois report card: Progress in graduation rates while chronic absenteeism declines

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois public schools are showing signs of steady recovery and progress in the wake of the pandemic, according to the 2025 Illinois Report Card released Thursday.

The state’s graduation rate has reached a 15-year high, chronic absenteeism is declining, and more students are enrolling in advanced coursework and career training programs.

The four-year graduation rate climbed to 89%, with the most significant gains among students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), English learners, and low-income students. Ninth-grade students on track to graduate, a key predictor of future success, also rose, particularly among Black and Hispanic students.

“The academic achievement data from the 2024-25 school year shows that Illinois has some of the best schools in the country and stands as a testament to the hard work and ambition of our students, the skill and dedication of our educators, and the support and partnership of parents and families across the state,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said.

Chronic absenteeism, which spiked during the pandemic, has improved for the third consecutive year, dropping nearly 15% since 2022. However, absenteeism remains highest among high school students and Black students, prompting the creation of a statewide task force to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Illinois has more teachers than ever before, with over 137,000 filled positions statewide. A $120 million investment in Teacher Vacancy Grants helped reduce unfilled positions in more than half of participating districts. Teacher diversity saw modest gains, with multiracial educators increasing, though the number of Black teachers remained stagnant.

Overall student enrollment declined slightly, marking the smallest drop since 2016. However, enrollment among Asian, Hispanic, multiracial, and English learner students increased. English learner enrollment alone grew nearly 33 percent over the past four years.