Pandemic Hardly Affects Hinsdale D-181 Scores

HINSDALE, IL – As one of the state's wealthiest districts, it's practically a given that Hinsdale School District 181 will far exceed state averages.

Unlike some of its wealthy counterparts, though, District 181 saw barely a change in its Illinois Assessment of Readiness scores since before the pandemic.

The test is given to third through eighth graders.

In math, 71 percent of District 181 students met or exceeded standards, down from 72 percent in 2019, the year before the pandemic.

In English language arts, 72 percent of students met or exceeded standards in 2022, compared with 77 percent in 2019.

Statewide, 26 percent of students met or exceeded standards in math in 2022, down from 32 percent in 2019. Meanwhile, 30 percent met the mark in English language arts this year, down from 38 percent in 2019.

According to state figures, 2 percent of District 181 students were considered low-income, far lower than the 47 percent statewide.

In a statement Friday, Superintendent Hector Garcia said the district was proud of students' continual growth and progress in all areas.

"Our educators continue to focus on elevating our curriculum and boosting student achievement and, most importantly, meeting the needs of each and every child," he said.

On Thursday, the state released new information about districts on its Illinois Report Card website.

The state designated all seven of District 181's elementary schools as "exemplary," while its two middle schools were given "commendable" status, which is one step below.

In 2019, the last time designations were given, six of District 181's schools were exemplary, with the other three being rated commendable.