Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Paul Jacobs shared information on the 2024 school report cards in an October 31 Facebook post, stating, "Here's a look at some of the findings from the Illinois State Board of Education's 2024 Report Card for Illinois schools."

"Here's a look at some of the findings from the Illinois State Board of Education's 2024 Report Card for Illinois schools," said Jacobs, according to Facebook.

In his post, Jacobs shared a report from NBC5 Chicago that outlined the details of the 2024 Illinois Report Cards. According to the report, proficiency rates in English/Language Arts, Math, and Science have all increased year-over-year. The four-year high school graduation rate rose to 87.7%, up from last year’s 87.6%. Additionally, more students are meeting or exceeding expectations in English/Language Arts and mathematics compared to the previous year's report card.

Screenshot of State Rep. Paul Jacobs' Oct. 31 Facebook post. | State Representative Paul Jacobs' Facebook page

The Illinois State Board of Education announced these improvements in an October 30 news release. "Illinois has seen tremendous, nation-leading recovery in English language arts, thanks to the talented teachers, principals, and superintendents in schools across the state who have worked diligently to implement shifts in their literacy practices," said Sanders in the release. He added that they have set a new record for their high school graduation rate and expanded access to advanced coursework and Career and Technical Education has made high school more rigorous and relevant, keeping students engaged. "Our educators, students, and families should feel incredibly proud of how we have come together in the wake of the pandemic not just to recover but to emerge even stronger," Sanders said.

Chronic absenteeism remains a concern despite improvements. It has declined from 28.3% to 26.3%, down from 29.8% documented in the 2022 academic year report card but still significantly above the 16.8% recorded in 2018, according to NBC5 Chicago.

Jacobs was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2020. Before joining the legislature, he was an optometrist and owner of Von Jakob Vineyard in Alto Pass. He served in the US Navy from 1965 to 1971 and has four grown children and ten grandchildren with his wife.