This report provides data on the academic achievement gap that separates low-income and minority students from other students, examining how well different groups of students perform in Illinois and noting inequities in teacher quality, course offerings, and funding. Included are tables and data that provide: student profile (the demographic distribution of youth in Illinois); state performance (academic achievement as measured by college admissions tests and educational attainment); opportunity (well prepared teachers, challenging curricula, special student placements, effective instruction, and annual per pupil investments); minority achievement gains, state by state; and analysis of minority-white achievement gaps by subject area and grade level. Student achievement data are based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Illinois did not participate in any of the NAEP tests after 1990. While they participated in 1998, they did not meet the minimum participation guidelines for reporting results. It is therefore impossible to provide a full profile of achievement in Illinois. (Contains 24 references.) (SM)