Illinois to Redefine Student Achievement Metrics, Promising More Accurate Picture
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois state Board of Education has approved a new system for assessing student performance, aiming to provide a more accurate reflection of academic achievement for students, families, and educators.The changes, set to be implemented in the 2025 report card released this fall, will impact how the state measures proficiency in reading, writing, math, and science.
Education officials anticipate a significant increase in the percentage of students classified as proficient in reading, writing, and math.notably,this shift isn’t due to changes in teaching methods or student learning,but rather a recalibration of the scoring system used to interpret annual assessment results. A slight decline in science proficiency rates is also expected.
State Superintendent of Education tony Sanders, during a media briefing Tuesday, explained that the new scoring system has been in advancement for approximately 18 months. The initiative stems from concerns that the existing system misrepresents student capabilities.”Prior performance levels mislabeled many students in elementary and high school, often indicating that students where less academically accomplished and prepared for college than they actually were,” the board stated.
For years, the Illinois Report Card has utilized these scores to provide a comprehensive overview of student performance and identify areas where specific student groups may be falling behind. The data is also crucial in holding schools accountable for enhancement and addressing achievement gaps.
Though, state officials have long contended that the existing system, notably the “cut scores” used to categorize student performance, doesn’t accurately reflect student progress. Such as, recent data shows that approximately two-thirds of Illinois high school graduates enroll in two- or four-year colleges within a year of graduation. Yet, the state’s assessments suggest fewer than half perform at grade level in English language arts, and even fewer are proficient in math.
“Put simply, as currently designed, our proficiency rates do not reflect the reality of student progress,” Sanders said. “They’re misaligned with what it actually means to succeed in college and career.”
Federal regulations mandate that states administer assessments and publicly report student performance. However, states have considerable flexibility in setting the proficiency thresholds. Illinois has historically maintained some of the most stringent proficiency standards nationwide.
The current system’s consequences extend beyond unfavorable report cards, possibly leading to the mislabeling of schools as underperforming and inaccurately assessing students’ readiness for college or careers.
Proposed New system
The updated system will categorize student scores into four performance levels: below proficient, approaching proficient, proficient, and above proficient. This will be achieved through a revised set of “cut scores.”
The new grading system will apply to the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, wich covers English language arts and math in grades 3 through 8, and the Illinois Science Assessment, administered to students in grades 5 and 8. It will also be used for the ACT exams,starting this year,which will serve as the state assessment for 11th-grade students.
