What standardized tests are used?

Each state administers its own standardized assessments for English Language Arts and Math, typically in grades 3-8. High school students may take the ACT, SAT, or a state-specific exam. Results are reported as the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations.

How should I interpret proficiency percentages?

Proficiency rates show the percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations. A 60% proficiency rate means 6 out of 10 students tested at or above grade level. Compare against state averages and similar districts for context, as raw numbers alone do not tell the full story.

What are accountability designations?

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), schools receive designations based on performance. 'Exemplary' schools perform well above average. 'Commendable' schools meet targets. Schools identified for 'Targeted' or 'Comprehensive' support need improvement in specific areas or overall performance.

Columbia, IL School Test Scores & Graduation Rates

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Your assigned district depends on your home address within town.

School Performance — 2025i

NCES

How students at each school are performing on state assessments. 74.2% meet ELA standards on the state assessment for grades 3-8. Chronic absenteeism (missing 10%+ of school days) is at 13.4%.

Avg Graduation Ratei

92.2%

ELA Proficiencyi

74.2%

Math Proficiencyi

59.5%

Chronic Absenteeismi

13.4%

District Summaryi

Columbia CUSD 4

ELA: 81.5%Math: 70.6%Grad Rate: 97.6%Absent: 5.7%ACT: ELA 20.3, Math 21.8College: 75%

Proficiency by Gradei

Grade 3

ELA

74.5%

Math

81.6%

Grade 4

ELA

89.6%

Math

86.8%

Grade 5

ELA

70.7%

Math

44.7%

Grade 6

ELA

85.1%

Math

82.3%

Grade 7

ELA

84.1%

Math

71.8%

Grade 8

ELA

84%

Math

56.7%

Community Unit School District No 196

ELA: 58.2%Math: 35.2%Grad Rate: 80.3%Absent: 30.2%ACT: ELA 15.6, Math 16.7College: 36.4%

Proficiency by Gradei

Grade 3

ELA

41.4%

Math

48.6%

Grade 4

ELA

59.3%

Math

37%

Grade 5

ELA

56.5%

Math

27.4%

Grade 6

ELA

61.9%

Math

35.7%

Grade 7

ELA

65.5%

Math

27.6%

Grade 8

ELA

68.9%

Math

32.8%

Performance by School (7)i

Elementary Schools

Middle Schools

High Schools