Chicago Public Schools Sees Steady High School Graduation Rates, Better Reading Scores for Elementary School Students
Steady Progress and Achievements
As Chicago Public Schools (CPS) aims to make a case for increased investment in the school district amidst a budget shortfall, leaders highlighted steady graduation rates, an increase in the percentage of students earning college or career credit while in high school, and improved reading scores among elementary school students.
Higher Graduation Rates and College Credit
About 84% of students this year graduated in four years, about the same as last year but up significantly over time. About a decade ago, the rate was just 59%. Additionally, more than 52% of last year’s graduates earned early college and career credits, up 3% from the previous year, CPS said.
Improve Reading Scores for Elementary School Students
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, under fire recently for clashing with Mayor Brandon Johnson over the CPS budget deficit, celebrated the achievements and pledged to work towards more. "These numbers represent the hopes and dreams and achievements of thousands of students and families. They represent the hard work of the talented and dedicated school leaders, educators, and staff," he said.
Preliminary State Test Scores
Martinez also heralded previously released preliminary state test scores that showed more elementary school students are proficient in reading compared to last year, putting performance above pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Math proficiency on annual state exams inched up slightly.
Challenges Remain
Still, proficiency levels remain low. Only about 31% of elementary students are considered proficient in reading and 19% in math. Last year, 26% of students were proficient in reading and in 2019, it was 28%. On October 30, the state plans to release final results for third through eighth graders from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness exam in reading, math, and science.
Path Forward
CPS also cited research showing CPS elementary scores through last year were improving more than most other large districts in the nation. Reading levels recovered from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures, but the road doesn’t stop here, Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said, addressing students, staff, and media at Charles Prosser Career Academy on Thursday morning. "We have fully recovered, and we should be looking at what is ahead of us," she said.
Additional Achievements and Challenges
Martinez also touted increases in attendance, scholarship money, and the percentage of students enrolling in college overall and in each racial group. Students heading to college earned a record $2.11 billion in scholarship money last year, school officials announced.
Addressing Budget Shortfall
As the district faces an uphill battle financially, officials are working to ensure it doesn’t affect the graduation rate or other academic markers. CPS is seeing more students with complex needs, including students with individualized education plans or learning English as a second language. Martinez said the district is looking at other forms of funding to mitigate the deficit, including tax increment financing. "The funding is not keeping up with it," he said. "For us, it’s gonna take local, it’s gonna take our state, it’s gonna take federal, and to be clear, taxpayers aren’t gonna be paying those dollars. Those are not new taxes."
Conclusion
While there are still challenges to be addressed, CPS’s steady high school graduation rates, improved reading scores for elementary school students, and achievements in other areas demonstrate the district’s commitment to its students and staff. As leaders work to address the budget shortfall, it is crucial to prioritize investments in education and ensure that they are supported through various forms of funding.
FAQs
- What is the current graduation rate for CPS students?
About 84% of students graduated in four years. - What is the percentage of students earning early college and career credits?
More than 52% of last year’s graduates earned early college and career credits. - How is the district addressing the budget shortfall?
CPS is exploring alternative funding sources, including tax increment financing, to mitigate the deficit. - What are the current reading and math proficiency levels for elementary school students?
About 31% of elementary students are considered proficient in reading and 19% in math.
