Illinois’ eighth-graders outperformed national averages in reading and math, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results released Wednesday. And Illinois

The Illinois State Board of Education is encouraging local school districts to adopt clear policies spelling out how and when their staff should cooperate with federal immigration officials carrying out enforcement actions or seeking information from school officials.

The Illinois State Board of Education approved a nearly $11.4 billion budget request this week for the upcoming fiscal year, amounting to a 4.6% increase from this year, as the state prepares to face a substantial budget deficit.

Some Illinois school boards allow all resident children – including private and homeschooled kids – to participate in district activities. That should be the case for all taxpaying families in all districts.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois State Board of Education voted Wednesday to approve a budget request for the upcoming fiscal year of nearly $11.4 billion, a 4.6% increase over this year’s budget, despite projections that the state will face a substantial revenue shortfall next year.

"Guidance reinforces students’ right to education, regardless of immigration status, and advises school districts to develop local policies," ISBE said.

The block grant allocated $32.2 million for the 2025 fiscal year to 91 grantees. That funding is serving 4,008 children in half-day preschool and 1,142 in full-day preschool, as well as providing support services for 512 children under the age of 3.

In Illinois, sex education isn’t a requirement in health classes, leaving the decision to teach it to individual schools and parents.

The Illinois State Board of Education is encouraging local school districts to adopt clear policies spelling out how and when their staff should cooperate with federal immigration officials ...

State education leaders are asking school administrations to plan ahead in case immigration officials show up at their buildings. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to allow U.

NAEP scores for Chicago Public Schools, Illinois’ largest public school district, show that the district’s eighth graders had significantly higher scores in math and reading scores in 2024 when compared to their peers in 2022. Chicago’s fourth graders had higher math scores than previous groups of students, but lower reading scores.

Illinois education officials launch Vision 2030 to guide policy changes, focusing on future learning, funding and accountability.