Zero Reading Proficiency: 24 Illinois Schools Show No Students at Grade Level

A recent analysis of Illinois state education data reveals that 24 public schools across the state reported not a single student tested proficient in reading during the 2023-2024 academic year. This concerning statistic, highlighted in a Wirepoints analysis of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) report card, underscores persistent literacy challenges within the state's education system. The figure for zero reading proficiency schools is down from 32 in 2022-2023, while schools with zero math proficiency increased from 67 to 80 in the same period.

These "zero-proficiency" findings are based on results from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) for grades 3-8 and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for high schoolers. Proficiency indicates a student's ability to meet state academic standards in English Language Arts. More than 18,000 students attend these schools, which critics argue represents a systemic failure to equip them with basic literacy skills.

Many of the identified schools are located within Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and often serve at-risk students or operate as "Options Schools" for re-enrolling dropouts. Despite the lack of proficiency, some of these institutions, like Dunbar Vocational Career Academy and Harlan Community Academy High School, reported high graduation rates, raising questions about the standards for earning a diploma. For instance, Harlan Community Academy High School, spending nearly $35,000 per student, graduated 64% of its students in 2024 despite zero math or reading proficiency.

The issue is not solely confined to these schools, as broader state data indicates only about 35% of Illinois students statewide could read at grade level in 2023. Some schools, like Spry Community Links High School, reportedly spend exorbitant amounts—up to $93,787 per student—yet still show no students proficient in reading or math. This suggests that per-pupil spending alone does not guarantee academic success.

State officials, including Illinois State Superintendent Tony Sanders, acknowledge the challenges but also emphasize that Illinois sets a relatively high bar for proficiency compared to other states. The ISBE is implementing new, "right-sized" proficiency benchmarks for the 2024-2025 school year, aiming to provide more accurate data on student readiness for college and careers. However, education advocates stress the urgent need for effective interventions to address the foundational literacy gaps for thousands of Illinois students.