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District 150 increasingly diverse, state Report Card data show

illinoisreportcard.com

Peoria's School District 150 is increasingly diverse. It also faces challenges when it comes to college and career readiness.

That's the picture painted by the latest Report Card data from the Illinois State Board of Education.

The analysis shows District 150 is the most racially and ethnically diverse school district in Peoria County.

In 2015, black students make up more than half of the district’s population. Nearly ten percent identify as Hispanic. 

The District's Hispanic population has seen the most growth, up two percent since 2012. The statistics show a steady decline in white students in the past five years. 

By comparison, Dunlap School District's black students make up six percent of the population. Hispanics represent three percent. Pekin Community School District’s black and Hispanic populations is three percent combined.

The analytics also show the district’s high school graduation rate is down six percent in 2015, compared to two years before.  About 65 percent of District 150 high schoolers graduated within four years, lower than the statewide average of 86 percent. The report also says only a quarter of District 150 students were deemed “college-ready” in 2015.

That statistic is based on students who scored at least a 21 on standardized ACT tests.

District 150's Director of Accountability and Research Diana Zaleski presented the Report Card data to the board during Monday night's meeting. Zalenski says the data is helpful as the District moves forward in its strategic planning to identify strengths and weaknesses. 

"We're also going to monitor this throughout the school year, and of course, we report this data to the state annually," Zalenski said. 

The District 150 School board purchased two analytics software programs to further track trends, like the mobility of students between schools and neighboring districts. 

You can search individual school districts and schools Report Card data here