PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is celebrating the achievements presented in the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2026 Illinois Report Card.
“This year’s report card illustrates the continued advancements in education in our state and the work that still has to be done,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a former educator and chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am excited to continue to prioritize education policy in effort to uplift educators and set students up for success.”
The Illinois Report Card details sustained progress across several key measures of student success including academic achievement, graduation, attendance, the educator workforce and college and career readiness.
Per the report, more Illinois students are meeting grade-level expectations across tested subjects. Statewide proficiency increased from 52.4% to 55.4% in English language arts, from 38.4% to 39.2% in math, and from 44.6% to 48.7% in science.
Illinois’ four-year high school graduation rate reached a record high of 89.9% in 2026. Additionally, chronic absenteeism has declined for the fourth consecutive year, falling from 29.8% in 2022 to 23.5% in 2026.
Illinois schools now employ nearly 140,000 teachers, another record high, and the state has added over 12,000 educators since 2019 while reducing the number of unfilled educator positions.
More students are taking advantage of opportunities that prepare them for success after high school. Over 326,000 students participated in enriched or honors coursework, nearly 160,000 enrolled in Advanced Placement courses and more than 117,000 participated in a dual credit class. Over 290,000 students participated in Career and Technical Education Programs.
Residents can view the full contents of the 2026 Illinois Report Card here.
