Illinois’ eighth-graders outperform their peers in all but one state in national math and reading test

According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress report, Illinois ’eighth-graders outperformed the national average in both math and reading.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” is given every two years to a sample of America’s children. It is considered one of the best gauges of the academic progress of the U.S. school system. The most recent exam was administered in early 2024 in every state, testing fourth- and eighth-grade students on math and reading.

Topping off the achievement in Illinois, third- through eighth-graders showed the highest English proficiency rate to date.

Below are the detailed results of the exams:

• For the state’s fourth-graders, 59% performed at or above grade level in both math and reading, while 30% expressed proficiency.
• Taking a closer look, Illinois students did well in math, with 62% of eighth-graders performing at or above grade level and 32% at or above proficiency, a 6% percent increase since 2022.
• Fourth-graders also excelled in math, with 74% performing at grade level and 38% performing above proficiency.

This year, Illinois surpassed the national average, with only one state outperforming them. According to the report, 70% of eighth-graders performed at or above grade level while 33% of students achieved proficiency, which in the assessment is described as a more “aspirational” level of performance beyond grade level.

Artist of the month: Laurie Metcalf

Southern Illinois native Laurie Metcalf can be seen on televisions across America. Whether you’re watching re-runs of “Roseanne” or “The Big Bang Theory,” this Illinois actress can be seen on many favorite shows, movies or Broadway.

Raised in Edwardsville, Metcalf lived with her mother, Libby, who was a librarian, and her father, James, who was the budget director at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She attended Illinois State University, where she originally went to study German to be an interpreter, before realizing theater was her true passion.

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Illinois tops national economic development rankings

• Economy
• Development

In 2024, Illinois ranked among the best in the nation in major economic development rankings. These developments coincide with nine credit rating upgrades over two years and a steady increase in GDP since 2020.

Highlights include:

• #1 in Midwest for workforce development for the second consecutive year (Site Selection Magazine)
• #2 state in the nation for corporate investments for the second year in a row, with Chicago clocking in as the Top Metro in the country for corporate investments for the 11^th year in a row (Site Selection Magazine)
• CNBC Rankings:
  • #4 in the nation for access to capital (up from #6 in ’23)
  • #5 in the nation for cost of living (up from #9 in ’23)
  • #6 in the nation for tech and innovation (up from #14 in ’23)
  • Moved up 15 spots in Best States for Business since 2018

• Chicago voted Best Big City in the nation by readers for the eighth consecutive year (Condé Nast Traveler)

These rankings show Illinois has a burgeoning and thriving economy that is sure to climb even higher in the coming years.

Great River Road: Limestone Cliffs in Alton and Grafton

Did you know there is a 3,000 mile long road that follows the entirety of the Mississippi River? This scenic route winds all the way from Lake Itasca in Minnesota, to Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. Of all the territory the road covers, Illinois has by far the most picturesque stretch of the river.

Pro tip: the stretch of River Road between Alton and Grafton Illinois is unlike any other place in Illinois. This area is the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers. Complete with a full view of the Mississippi and towering white cliffs, you would hardly think you were in the Midwest. There are many memorable stops along the way including the Loading Dock, Pere Marquette State Park, Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower, and Historic Downtown Alton.

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