Dear District 65 Community -

At Monday’s School Board meeting, our team shared an update on student academic progress aligned to our strategic plan goals. Much of this data is also included in the annual Illinois Report Card, which was released today.

District 65 remains deeply committed to supporting both the academic and social-emotional growth of our students, preparing them not only for high school, but for college, careers, and lifelong success. While we are seeing positive signs of growth, we also recognize the continued need for targeted support and development to help every student reach their full potential.

Important Note on Interpretation of Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Results

For the 2025 assessment cycle, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has adopted new performance levels and adjusted cut-scores for the IAR (grades 3–8) in English language arts and mathematics. New performance levels and score cut-offs were set to better show how students are progressing toward college and career readiness. The learning standards have not changed, only how student performance is reported. 

Because of these changes, this year’s IAR results can’t be directly compared to scores from previous years on the ISBE Report Card. However, the RAAD Department has completed its annual IAR Report, which shows student performance using both the original five-level performance descriptors and cut scores, as well as the updated four-level system. This approach allows District 65 to continue tracking progress over time using the original scale, while also establishing the new cut scores as a baseline for future monitoring aligned to our strategic goals.

As in years past, I’m sharing some high level highlights and areas for improvement — our “glows” and “grows,” you could say!

• Twelve District 65 schools received designations of “Commendable,” and one school earned an “Exemplary” designation from the Illinois State Board of Education! Summative designations reflect each school’s progress in overall academic performance and student success.
• Orrington Elementary has maintained its “Exemplary” status since 2018! (Designations were not calculated in 2021 due to the pandemic.)
• Five schools improved their overall index scores from 2024. Nichols Middle School showed the most significant gain with an increase of more than six points.

• District 65 continues to exceed state averages in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science based on results from the Illinois Readiness Assessment (IAR) and Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). 

• The District continues to outperform the state in eighth-grade algebra, with 83.6% of District 65 students passing compared to 30.8% statewide.

• Students rated the 5Essentials Survey’s measures of Math Instruction, Inquiry-Based Science Instruction, Peer Support for Academic Work and Human & Social Resources in the Community as areas of strong performance.

• Most students agree or strongly agree that teachers make them feel safe (93%), comfortable (91%), and respected (92%), according to the 5Essentials Survey.

• Overall student attendance is at its highest percentage of 93.6%, and chronic absenteeism has decreased to 17.2%.

• In 2025, the English Language Arts (ELA) achievement gap showed a modest reduction across racial, Individualized Education Program (IEP), and income status.

• Two schools experienced a decline in their summative designation from “Commendable” to “Targeted,” accompanied by a decrease in their overall index scores.
• The data reveal particular areas that may require focused attention and resources to strengthen student outcomes and overall school performance.

• District 65 received an overall “Neutral” rating on all five 5Essentials indicators, based on responses from students, staff, and families.

• District 65 continues to observe notable achievement gaps in ELA and Math across race, income status, and IEP status. The lower proficiency rates among these student groups underscore the ongoing need for targeted interventions and sustained support.

I encourage you to take some time to review our Fall Quarterly Progress Update or explore the full District 65 Illinois State Report Card.

We know there will always be room to grow, but I remain extremely proud of the progress our students have made in the past year. This progress couldn’t have been made without our staff, families, and community partners. Thank you for your continued support!

Warmly,