Graduation rates for the class of 2025 reached a 15-year high in Illinois, but performance on the ACT exam is below the national average and, compared to before the pandemic, a lot of those students are considered chronically absent, meaning they missed 10% or more of the school year.

Illinois Education Supt. Tony Sanders highlighted the statewide graduation rate of 89%, up from 87.7% last year, on the state report card released Thursday.

He credited the $3 billion in new state funding provided to Illinois schools since 2017 for helping to drive the rates up. School districts, he said, have used this money for various strategies, including providing more Advanced Placement classes and more chances to make up failed classes.

“These opportunities keep students engaged and on track for suc

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