Peoria Standard

Jim Rule, Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans, has expressed concerns regarding the potential lowering of academic standards in Illinois. He said that such measures are a misguided attempt to conceal systemic failures and emphasized that genuine progress requires parental involvement and accountability. Rule made these remarks to the Peoria Standard.

"The decision to lower test score benchmarks in Illinois reflects a failing education system," said Rule. "Instead of investing in stronger instruction, officials are choosing shortcuts. This does a disservice to students and undermines long-term success. The education department's solution is like painting over cracks in a foundation—cosmetic, not constructive."

According to Chalkbeat, Illinois education officials are contemplating reducing the score required for students to be considered proficient on state standardized tests. These officials argue that current benchmarks are excessively high and do not accurately reflect students' readiness for college or careers. State Superintendent Tony Sanders said many students are unfairly labeled as 'not proficient.' The Illinois State Board of Education began developing new potential testing systems on May 14, which would involve setting lower score benchmarks. If approved in August, these changes would impact spring 2025 test results.

The Illinois Policy Institute reported in August that Illinois continues to face significant academic challenges. In 2023, only 35% of elementary students read at grade level, and 27% met math standards. Proficiency rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, with 81 public schools reporting no third-grade students reading at grade level—51 of these schools are located in Chicago. Despite record education funding of $10.9 billion for 2024-2025, proficiency and enrollment continue to decline. School leadership is urged to address issues such as low academic performance and absenteeism to ensure students graduate equipped for future success, with an emphasis on foundational skills like reading by third grade.

Rule, a resident of Morton, was first elected as Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Tazewell County voters."