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Illinois high school graduation rates slumped as a new federal formula takes effect, according to the annual School Report Card data released Monday, the Tribune reported this morning.

The new method provides a more honest look at education performance, officials say. The new graduation rates are among the dozens of figures released Monday in the annual School Report Card data that provide information about everything from test scores to teachers' experience to how much taxpayers spend on their schools. (Tribune)

The Tribune's online database shows 10 years of rates in addition to the regular report card data.

Tens of thousands of Illinois third-graders failed to meet a key reading benchmark that can predict students' educational trajectory long after they leave elementary school. (Tribune)

The 10 highest-ranking suburban neighborhood elementary schools all have longer days for students than the typical Chicago public school — but shorter ones than those advocated by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and city public school officials. (Sun-Times)

Whitney Young Magnet High School won last week's North Suburban Math League meet — only the second time a public Chicago school has won the regional competition. (Tribune)

Hilco Trading, LLC, the privately held financial and operational services firm headquartered in Northbrook donated academic quality books valued at approximately $130,000 to the Chicago Public School System. The books were purchased by Hilco from the now-closed Borders Book Stores across the U.S. (press release)

IN THE STATE

A Naperville middle school is among 33 Illinois schools being investigated for testing irregularities that date back to 2005. Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Director of Communication Susan Rice said the incident in question occurred in 2007, when students from Jefferson Junior High reported seeing familiar questions on the math portion of the Illinois Standardized Achievement Test. (Trib Local)

Grayslake Elementary District 46 board member Susan Facklam won't be prosecuted for breaking state law by giving $5 restaurant gift certificates to at least two people she registered to vote before the April election, according to the Lake County state's attorney's office. (Daily Herald)

IN THE NATION

A new report by the National Council on Teacher Quality calls out four Race to the Top states for so far not delivering high-quality, ambitious teacher-evaluation plans: Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. (Education Week)

NCAA raises minimum GPA for incoming student-athletes. (Education Week)

Southern California public schools, hit by budget cuts, drops in donations and new fundraising guidelines, are capitalizing on the culinary craze. Mobile eateries park at campuses, dispensing meals to the hungry and money to cash-strapped facilities. (Los Angeles)