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3w ago

Illinois Board to Vote on New Test Cut Scores That Would Raise Proficiency Rates

Officials argue the current standards mislabel student readiness; critics warn the proposal could conceal persistent learning gaps.

Tests and a pencil
Students practice during an SAT prep class at Glenbard North High School in 2018 in Carol Stream. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • The Illinois State Board of Education is set to vote Wednesday on a proposal that would lower reading and math cut scores and raise some science benchmarks after an 18-month review involving educators.
  • Under the draft cut scores, proficiency rates would increase to about 53% in English language arts, 38% in math and 45% in science compared with 41%, 28% and 53% currently.
  • State officials say the new thresholds align with college-readiness by matching cut scores to ACT performance probabilities of passing entry-level college courses.
  • The plan excludes recalculating past results under the old cut scores, preventing direct year-to-year comparisons and complicating school accountability measures.
  • Education analysts caution that lowering cut scores could mask ongoing achievement gaps and leave some students unprepared for college despite appearing proficient.