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Recognizing the Education Crisis: Proficiency Does Not Equal Graduation
Only 22% of students in Illinois are graduating proficient in reading and 19% in math, despite 83% graduating overall and 86% of teachers rated as excellent. This discrepancy highlights a concerning failure in the education system, as increased funding by 37% has not translated to improved performance. Ethnic disparities are stark, with 54% of white students meeting grade expectations in reading compared to just 17% of black students and 21% of Hispanic students. The situation suggests systemic issues that cannot be resolved merely through funding or federal oversight. Challenging the status quo of the teachers' union is necessary for real change, but it comes with significant resistance.