Research Hub
The State We’re In
The State We’re In 2022: A Look at the Impact of COVID-19 on Education in Illinois outlines the impact this unprecedented global event has had on Illinois learners from birth through higher education.
One of the first of its kind in the state - The State We’re in 2022 begins to unpack the pandemic’s impact on early childhood and care through higher education. Given ongoing data challenges locally and nationally, the report does not attempt national comparisons, but instead solely focuses on Illinois data.
The State We’re In 2022
High-level report findings include:
Enrollment: Nearly every level of education in Illinois saw declines in enrollment that exceeded historical trends and cannot be explained by demographic shifts. This was especially pronounced for early learners (birth through 5) and students enrolled in community colleges.
Equitable Access to Instruction: Inequitable access to digital infrastructure posed a barrier for students in remote learning environments.
Support and Resources for Students’ Well-Being: Disruptions to schooling left significant gaps in students’ social-emotional development, putting pressure on already inadequate staffing for counselors, social workers, and psychologists. Data also shows that schools improved on providing supportive environments for their students during the course of the pandemic.
K-12 Academic Outcomes: Although critical data gaps remain, available information suggests that proficiency on standardized assessments and 9th grade On-Track rates declined substantially.
The report also highlights a few of the valiant efforts of state and local leaders, who worked to address critical issues - expanding access to laptops, finding ways to expand internet and broadband access, taking steps to stabilize the state’s system of early childhood education and care, and investing in efforts to support staff and student wellbeing.
We encourage you to give this important report a read and heed it as a call towards ongoing focus, energy and continued investment in our state’s education system and students.
The State We’re In 2022: A Look at the Impact of COVID-19 on Education in Illinois was created with the support of the State We’re In 2022 Advisory Council strengthening the analysis and provided assistance on critical data for this report.
Social Media
Share and tweet about the report using @advanceillinois and #thestatewerein
Panel Discussion
Watch the August 4, 2022 presentation of report's key findings and the engaging panel discussion that took place at City Club Chicago.
Moderator Robin Steans, president of Advance Illinois, was joined by three esteemed panelists to discuss the possible paths forward in ensuring Illinois students reach their full potential given these unprecedented circumstances.
FEATURING
Dr. Carmen Ayala, Superintendent, Illinois State Board of Education
Dr. Janice Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Hope Chicago, Advance Illinois Board Member
Representative Michelle Mussman, 56th District