Illinois Updates State Test Benchmarks

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education has revised state test performance levels to give students, families, and educators a clearer view of academic achievement and college readiness. Previous benchmarks often labeled students as not proficient even when they earned strong grades or passed college level courses, while science tests sometimes overstated proficiency. The new system uses four levels of above proficient, proficient, approaching proficient and below proficient and aligns tests with real college and career expectations. Recalculated rates will take effect in 2025, with a new accountability system launching on the 2026 Illinois Report Card.