This means 89 percent of black third graders are not proficient in English, which is considered a core skill for later success in life. These students struggle with understanding what they’ve read, recounting stories, and learning from illustrations like pictures of maps, according to the standards set by the state.
Numerous counties saw all black third grade students fail to reach an acceptable proficiency level in English. Counties include: Alexander, Marion, McDonough, Pulaski, Jefferson, Henry, and Randolph County.
Illinois report card data showed there were dramatic declines in academic achievement since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
However, a Wirepoints investigation found the Illinois school system prioritizes social promotion of black students over their literacy.
“'Social promotion' – pushing kids into the next grade regardless of ability – leaves unsuspecting Illinois parents believing their kids are being educated simply because they're advancing,” wrote report authors Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner. “Social promotion in Illinois continues into high school. That’s when district officials tell parents what they want to hear – that their children have what they need to graduate.”
Wirepoints also cited “racial equity” programs that blame low black student scores on racism, calling schools “more obsessed with vague outcomes like equity and diversity than merit and competence.”
District information was gathered from the Illinois Report Card.
| District | # of Black Third Grade Students Who Took English Exam | % of Black Third Grade Students Who Failed English Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Gurnee School District 56 | 37 | 100 |
| Hawthorn Community Consolidated School District 73 | 10 | 100 |
| Zion Elementary School District 6 | 34 | 94.1 |
| Learn 9 in Waukegan | 13 | 92.4 |
| North Chicago School District 187 | 60 | 91.7 |
| Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 | 73 | 90.4 |
| Beach Park Community Consolidated School District 3 | 17 | 88.2 |
| Grayslake Consolidated Community School District 46 | 10 | 70 |
| Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50 | 38 | 68.4 |
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