Joliet Schools Celebrate Rising Graduation Rates Despite Challenges

Joliet Township High School District 204 has reported significant improvements in graduation rates for the 2024 academic year, according to the recently released 2025 Illinois School Report Cards. The district, which encompasses both Joliet West and Joliet Central high schools, is highlighting these advancements while acknowledging the need for further support for students with disabilities, particularly at Joliet Central.

The Illinois State Board of Education published the annual school report cards in October, detailing performance metrics such as standardized testing, graduation rates, college readiness, and overall attendance. The report categorizes schools into rankings from comprehensive to exemplary. A school achieves an exemplary designation by ranking in the top 10% statewide, while those in the bottom 5% are classified as comprehensive. Schools that perform well overall but have specific groups underperforming fall into the targeted category. Most schools receive a commendable rating, indicating that all student demographics exceed the bottom 5% threshold.

For the second consecutive year, neither Joliet West nor Joliet Central saw a change in their designations. Joliet West maintained its commendable status, while Joliet Central remained in the targeted category, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Dr. Karla Guseman, the district superintendent, emphasized the district’s commitment to enhancing achievement among English language learners and special education students.

To address these challenges, Guseman stated that the district is strengthening its co-teaching model and introducing a new “consult model” for special education. In this approach, special education tutors are assigned to support students in regular classes, allowing for individualized attention either during class or in small group settings outside the classroom. This model is currently being implemented for freshmen and sophomores, with plans to expand to all grade levels in the coming years.

Impressive Graduation Rates Highlighted

One of the most notable achievements reflected in the report cards is the increase in graduation rates. Guseman expressed pride in the progress made, noting that graduation rates account for half of a school’s total evaluation. Joliet West recorded a graduation rate of 86.6%, while Joliet Central achieved 80.8%. Although Joliet West led in overall rates, Joliet Central experienced a more significant increase of over 5% compared to the previous year, while West improved by just over 3%. The state average graduation rate is 87.7%.

“Our previous district rate was 79%, so that’s a solid area of growth for one year, especially in a district of this size,” Guseman said. She highlighted the district’s ongoing efforts to enhance graduation rates, including the expansion of virtual tutoring options and recovery programs for students falling behind on credits.

In addition to graduation rates, Guseman noted that students at Joliet Township High Schools earned 3,811 college credit hours through partnerships with local higher education institutions, including Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis. Additionally, Joliet students took over 1,700 Advanced Placement (AP) tests last year, achieving a passing rate of 63%.

Challenges in Standardized Testing

Despite these successes, the district faces challenges in standardized testing. ACT proficiency scores for students at District 204 fell below state averages in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science. Joliet West reported proficiency rates of 38.2% in ELA, 27.8% in math, and 38% in science, while Joliet Central posted rates of 27.7% in ELA, 18.5% in math, and 26.9% in science. The proficiency rates for students with disabilities at Joliet Central were notably low, with scores of 11.4% in ELA, 10.6% in math, and 10.6% in science.

The state averages in these subjects are significantly higher, at 52.4% in ELA, 38.4% in math, and 44.8% in science. Guseman indicated that these scores serve as a baseline following the state’s switch from the SAT to the ACT for standardized testing, which has introduced new proficiency benchmarks.

She also pointed out a unique challenge faced by the district, where nearly a quarter of the student body comprises English learners. At Joliet Central, 32.3% of students are classified as English learners, while Joliet West has 17.8%. Guseman expressed concern over the requirement for all students to take tests that are only available in English, stating, “It lowers the overall proficiency score, and it’s an unfair expectation to put on those students.”

Despite these hurdles, Guseman remains optimistic about the district’s future. “We are a great district, and we are committed to improvement year over year,” she said. “I believe the data shows that our efforts have been impactful so far. We’re dedicated to maximizing every student’s growth while they’re with us.”