McHenry Times

State Representative Joe Sosnowski shared information on Illinois academics in a November 4 Facebook post, stating that "slightly smaller percentages of high school students met or exceeded grade-level standards last year, compared to the year before."

"Proficiency rates in high school have trended down since 2019, and slightly smaller percentages of high school students met or exceeded grade-level standards last year, compared to the year before," said Sosnowski, according to Facebook.

According to Sosnowski's Facebook post, he provided a link to an Advantage News report on the latest Illinois State School Report Card. The report indicates that third through eighth-grade students have achieved the highest English Language Arts proficiency level since 2019, with a proficiency rate of 40.9%. Additionally, the high school graduation rate has reached an all-time 14-year high of 87%, driven by improvements among Black students over the past six years.

Screenshot of State Rep. Joe Sosnowski's Nov. 4 Facebook post | State Representative Joe Sosnowski's Facebook page

The Illinois State Board of Education announced these findings in an October 30 news release. Sanders said, "Illinois has seen tremendous, nation-leading recovery in English language arts, thanks to the talented teachers, principals, and superintendents in schools across the state who have worked diligently to implement shifts in their literacy practices. We have also set a new record for our high school graduation rate. Expanded access to advanced coursework and Career and Technical Education has made high school more rigorous and more relevant and kept students engaged. Our educators, students, and families should feel incredibly proud of how we have come together in the wake of the pandemic not just to recover but to emerge even stronger."

In addition to gains in English Language Arts and graduation rates, there were minor improvements in math proficiency for students in grades 3-8. The chronic absenteeism rate also improved for a second consecutive year, decreasing from 28.3% in 2023 to 26.3% in 2024.

Sosnowski has represented Illinois since being elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2010. He currently represents the 69th District. His political career began with service on the DeKalb City Council before moving to Rockford and serving as First Ward Alderman from 2005-2010. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.