2022 Impact Report

Our Greatest Challenge

Educational Inequity

Educational inequity is still our greatest challenge, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

The pandemic exacerbated existing challenges

Pre-School Enrollment

Percent of decline in preschool enrollment in Illinois from 2020 to 2021:

Chronic Absenteeism

Gap in chronic absenteeism rates between Black and white students in Illinois grew from 18% in SY18-19 to 25% SY20-21.

Kindergarten Preparedness

More than three-quarters of Illinois children are still falling short on kindergarten readiness:

According to data collected statewide in Fall 2019 by the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey.

Performance Levels

Percent of third graders (CPS) that met or exceeded overall ELA performance levels:

Percent of eighth graders (CPS) that met or exceeded overall math performance levels:

On-time College Enrollment

Percent of students enrolled in a two- or four-year college within one year of high school graduation:

Last year, we finally returned to the classroom. There were both incredible challenges and inspiring joys. The leaders who show up every day for our students and families continue to give us hope.

  • Our students of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. It is our responsibility to leave behind a legacy for others to pick up the baton and do the work.

    Dalonte Burns
    Principal
    UIC College Prep
    Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana ’13

  • Our teachers are tireless, endlessly positive, and inspired us every day this year. Although we envision a day that our teachers don’t have to be heroes, this year they truly were.

    Pallavi Abraham
    Executive Director
    Teachers Supporting Teachers
    Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana ’13

  • If education is a right, then it is my duty, as a citizen of this country, to make sure that that experience is as good as it can be for all students, regardless of where they go.

    Shyla Kinhal
    Senior Manager
    Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy at the KIPP Foundation and Oak Park Elementary District 97 Board Member
    New York City ’04

  • I want to be more deliberate about focusing on student wellness. Teachers shouldn’t ignore the fear and anxiety that COVID has caused. I hope my students will feel more comfortable and at ease being back in person.

    Brendan McGovern
    Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana ’21