-- Connecting the dots between our economy, government and business --
The most recent assessment results show that 53.1% of third- through eighth-grade students met proficiency standards in English language arts on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness in 2025. Just 38.5% were proficient in math. Those rates are troubling on their own. They’re even more concerning because the state lowered the performance levels used on the IAR in 2025.
Summary and audio linked here.
Much of the routine trade and investment between China and America is entirely appropriate and in America’s interest. But inserting the Chinese Communist Party into America’s pay-to-play system and its economic development strategy isn’t just crossing a line. It’s a leap into an abyss of stupidity.
Summary and audio linked here.
Illinois paid the price for embracing Fauci’s “science.” Here’s the retrospective.
Podcast link is here.
As long as the teachers get great pay, great benefits and large pensions they will not give a hoot if the children learn or not. And it shows in the results.
If parents do not demand their children attend school at every session, they won’t go! Statistically 45% of Black children are absent daily. How can they possibly get ahead when reaching adulthood? I blame Black leadership!
I can you expect the students to learn when the teachers are so underpaid. 🤣🤣
There’s only one thing to do: adjust the standards down again.
How many of the “five practical literacy reforms” have been adopted in Illinois schools? What is Mississippi doing that Illinois isn’t doing?
I would like to see one single IL teacher with the fortitude to call out the failed policies of the IL education system as a teacher did recently when his high school senior English class couldn’t complete a paragraph even though he basically spotted the class the four words necessary to do so. I often hear of instructors that aren’t on board with the CTU’s Marxist agenda, but they are as silent as the Sphinx in Egypt.
With these dismal scores expect further contractions in Illinois college enrolment and expect employers to expand their businesses outside Illinois, in place where they can find educated workers.
The fix- make teachers teach actual subjects and take socialist courses out. Hold teachers accountable.
Alas, today’s underperforming students will become tomorrow’s government dependents — and DNC/DSA voters.
Please do not forget that those dazzling
students will also become the next group
of doctors. In the future if surgery is needed
make sure the surgeon is holding the scalpel
with the blade side down!