Illinois Schools Show Progress Since Pandemic, But Gaps and Mental Health Struggles Remain (Chicago, IL) – Illinois schools have made strides in educational attainment and funding since the COVID-19 pandemic, but ongoing challenges in affordability, equity, and student mental health demand urgent attention, according to a new report from education policy group Advance Illinois.
The biennial report, The State We’re In 2025, tracks 15 years of data on funding, enrollment, staffing, affordability, and student outcomes from early childhood through higher education. While it highlights encouraging progress, the report warns that key weaknesses threaten long-term recovery and equity.
“There is good news, and there is troubling news,” said Robin Steans, president of Advance Illinois. “Educational attainment continues to rise, and data suggests Illinois schools weathered pandemic challenges better than other states. That said, academic proficiency remains stubbornly low, equity gaps persist, and affordability remains a serious issue for Illinois families and students.”
Gains in Funding, Attainment, and Growth
The report found that Illinois ranks in the top 10 nationally for academic growth in grades 3–8, and that proficiency levels in reading and math held steady during the pandemic when other states saw declines. High school graduation rates, early college enrollment, and ninth-grade on-track indicators also remain strong, with some equity gaps narrowing.
Postsecondary attainment has climbed steadily: 49% of Illinois residents held an associate’s degree or higher in 2023, compared with 41% in 2008. College completion rates have also risen, particularly for Black and Latino students.
On the K–12 front, the state’s 2017 Evidence-Based Funding law has funneled $2.4 billion in new annual investments into schools, shrinking the number of severely underfunded districts from 431 to 49. That money has helped schools hire more teachers and counselors, especially in communities with higher needs.
Persistent Challenges
Despite progress, the report flagged serious ongoing issues. Academic proficiency rates remain low and largely unchanged since 2009, particularly in math and reading. Longstanding equity gaps in kindergarten readiness and proficiency remain, with the widest disparities affecting Black, Latino, low-income, and English-learner students.
Teacher shortages continue to plague the state, especially in special education and bilingual classrooms, with both rural and urban districts struggling to fill positions.
Affordability also remains a hurdle. Families face high costs for child care and higher education, with Black and Latino households shouldering a disproportionate financial burden.
Student Mental Health Crisis
Perhaps most concerning, the report cites a growing student mental health crisis. Few school districts meet recommended staffing levels for social workers, counselors, and psychologists — only 13% of Illinois students attend districts that have enough counselors on staff.
“This is an unprecedented challenge,” Steans said. “These findings urgently need to be brought into view, to drive decision-making, inform investments, and shore up systems and practices for our students now more than ever in our history.”
Calls for Action
The findings were presented Wednesday at a City Club of Chicago event featuring a panel discussion with Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Latino Policy Forum President Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, and Illinois State Board of Education Chair Steven Isoye. Julie Morita, president of the Joyce Foundation, moderated the discussion.
Advance Illinois leaders stressed that good policy depends on strong data — something they say could be jeopardized by recent changes to federal data collection. Nearly half of the metrics in the group’s report rely on federal sources.
“Good policy and practice is informed by good data that helps educators, leaders, and lawmakers understand challenges and create thoughtful strategies,” Steans said. “Our hope is that the findings in this report serve as a guide to building a stronger future for our education system and the children and families it serves.”
Illinois Schools Show Progress Since Pandemic, But Gaps and Mental Health Struggles Remain
