The latest edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT data book ranked Illinois seventh in the nation for education.
It was Illinois' highest-ever education ranking in the annual report.
Loukisha Pennix is with the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, which partners with the foundation in Illinois.
"What I can say," she said, "is the state takes early care and education and the education of the youngest amongst us, as one of the highest priorities of the state."
The report examines dozens of indicators, including high school graduation rates, standardized test scores and chronic absenteeism.
Illinois earned particularly high marks in eighth-grade math proficiency and preschool enrollment.
But Pennix says there are still significant challenges. Even though it was high, there was a drop in access to early care and education, which means fewer students ready for school.
Child and teen mortality rates also remain higher than they were before the pandemic and have increased at a faster rate than the national average.
"We have to do the investment up front," said Pennix. "That's what I want lawmakers to remember: We have to invest in them now, so that long term they are self-sufficient, they're resilient, they're healthy and they're whole.”
Illinois finished 20th in overall child well-being, a slight decline from last year. Along with education, the report analyzes topics like economic well-being, health, family and community context.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
