The Illinois State Board of Education has voted to adopt new performance levels and proficiency benchmarks for statewide assessments, a move that will change how student achievement is measured in English, math, and science, as well as readiness for college.
Under the new standards, more students will be categorized as “proficient.” For example, a third grader currently needs to score 750 out of 850 on the math assessment to meet proficiency. The new benchmark lowers that requirement to 732.
The revised cut scores would increase the share of students labeled proficient to 53% in English language arts and 38% in math — up from 41% and 28%, respectively, last year.
Supporters of the change argue the adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of student learning, but Republican officials across the state are pushing back, claiming that lowering standards is not the right approach for Illinois schools.
The new benchmarks will take effect with the next round of state testing.
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