SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois students returning to school this year will be evaluated under a new testing system, which lowers proficiency standards and is aimed at addressing high delinquency rates.

The new testing system, which has been in development for over a year, will lower what counts as 'proficient' in the classroom and cover standardized testing from grades three through 12.

Education officials noted that Illinois previously had some of the most rigorous proficiency standards in the country, which led to poor performance on the annual 'Illinois Report Card.'

Officials hope that the new system will better evaluate students and more accurately assess their performance across the state.

State Supt. of Education, Tony Sanders said changes are expected to provide a more acc

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