Illinois Department of Education
October 2003
When the Fordham Institute graded and ranked state standards for U.S. history, Illinois was at the bottom of the barrel, scoring only 4 out of a possible 30 and ranking a low 41 out of 49 states. [See Effective State Standards for U.S. History: A 2003 Report Card]. We're pleased to report, however, that this week the Land of Lincoln released new and much improved Illinois Assessment Frameworks in reading, math, science, writing, and social science. These standards are clear (as opposed to many that are disorganized and scattered, making it hard to focus on essential skills), the writing is concise, and the coverage of core content is praiseworthy. We especially like the writing standards, which cover grammar in detail and include excellent examples to clue in teachers who may not have studied participles or passive voice in a long time. (For example, standard 3.6.18 reads, "Use commas to set off non-essential appositives [e.g., 'Many of us, the people who pay taxes, oppose this idea.'"]) The math standards are properly hierarchical, building skill upon skill in a grade-appropriate sequence that is all-too-lacking in many state standards. And the social science standards are full of serious content in economics and civics, with a rich historical background. Indeed, they may be a little too ambitious, but what a nice problem to have. We also wish that the reading standards included a recommended book list, but that's a minor quibble. Overall, Illinois can take pride in this serious, thoughtful, high-quality job. To see for yourself, go to http://www.isbe.state.il.us/assessment/IAFIndex.htm.