Chicago Public Schools' Elementary Reading Scores Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels

Preliminary results show significant gains in reading proficiency, driven by Black students, while math scores see modest improvement.

Preliminary state test results show 31% of CPS elementary students are proficient in reading, up from 26% last year.
Reading proficiency rates have surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time, with Black students leading the gains.
Math proficiency rates have also improved slightly, with 19% of students proficient, up from 17% last year.
CPS officials credit investments in academic recovery strategies, including tutoring and teacher development, for the improvements.
The district faces a $391 million deficit next year as federal relief funds expire, complicating future funding for educational programs.