Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that a school's comprehensive health education program must include instruction on the medical and legal ramifications of cannabis use. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Sets forth a list of nonfiction, fiction, and children's books about racism that shall be required reading for students in every public elementary and secondary school beginning with the 2023-2024 school year. Requires that the instruction in the material presented by each book be age appropriate and taught at the appropriate grade level. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/12/2023 - Referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Requires the instruction on character education to include the teaching of respect toward a person's race or ethnicity or gender. With regard to the State Board of Education's school report card, requires data collected on curriculum information to include information on a school's instruction on character education.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/12/2023 - Referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the State Board of Education shall develop and maintain a program aimed at facilitating education in advanced manufacturing technical skills. Provides that the program shall be implemented in no less than 12 public high schools, over the span of 3 years, where the youth unemployment rate is at least twice the national average. Specifies program requirements. Provides that the State Board shall ensure that each high school participating in the program has adequate funding for at least one industry coordinator, tutoring, pre-employment and on-the-job mentoring, professional and leadership development, and life and financial management instruction. Provides that the State Board shall use a program provider to help design, build, and accredit the training program. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/12/2023 - Referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Provides that the dyslexia handbook developed by the State Board of Education shall include guidelines on the administration of a universal screener and dyslexia screening, the interpretation of data from these screeners, and the resulting appropriate instruction within a multi-tiered system of support framework. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt any rules necessary to ensure that a student will be screened for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener. Sets forth which students are required to be screened. Provides that no later than January 1, 2024, the State Board of Education shall employ at least 5 dyslexia specialists or dyslexia therapists with a minimum of 5 years of field experience in screening, identifying, and treating dyslexia and related disorders. Provides that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each school district must screen students in grades kindergarten through 2 for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener approved by the State Board of Education. Provides that if a student is determined to be either at risk or at some risk for dyslexia after the universal screener has been administered, the school district must administer a dyslexia screening of the student. Provides that if a student's dyslexia screening indicates that the student has characteristics of dyslexia, the dyslexia intervention services provided to the student must utilize a structured literacy approach as outlined in the State Board of Education's handbook. Makes other changes.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. In the definition of "universal screener", changes references to "an assessment" to "a screener". Provides that the "universal screener" shall screen for the risk factors of reading difficulties, including dyslexia (instead of the risk factors of dyslexia). Provides that students shall be screened if a student from another state enrolls for the first time in any of grades kindergarten through 2 in a school district in this State, provided that if a student's score is below 3.0 on either the listening or the speaking portion of the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, the student may be exempt from a universal screener as determined by the school's or school district's English language learner team (instead of unless the student, the student's parent, or the student's guardian presents documentation that the student meets specified conditions). Adds provisions concerning secondary review of a student. In provisions concerning the student's parent or guardian consent to screening, provides that the parent or guardian must be notified (rather than specified provisions concerning the nature of notification). Makes conforming changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Course of Study Article of the School Code. Requires each public school to provide a separate course of study on mental health that instructs students on how to recognize the signs of anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental illness. Provides that all students in grades kindergarten through 12 must take the course each school year, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Provides that the course length must be at least one semester or its equivalent but that the school board shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time required for the course. Requires the State Board of Education to prepare and make available to school boards resource materials on mental illness that must be used as guidelines for the development of the course.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/13/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of pre-Columbian Native American societies. Sets forth additional topics of instruction. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the history of Native Americans during and after the American Revolution, as well as the contributions of Native Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for development of these units of instruction. Provides that a school may meet the curricular requirements through an online program or course. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/23/2023 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Carol Ammons

Amends the School Code. Provides that subject to the availability of local resources, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, each public middle school, junior high school, and high school shall establish a junior color guard program to promote the value of and honor military personnel. Provides that the junior color guard shall be used at school events, including interscholastic athletic events and other events in which the presenting of the colors is requested. Provides that each school shall allow the junior color guard to participate in community events in which the presenting of the colors may be requested. Provides that each school may work with a civic organization or association to provide adequate training to the members of the junior color guard on the execution of their duties.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/26/2024 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandun Schweizer

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that pupils in the public schools in grades 9 through 12 shall be taught and be required to study courses which include instruction in the area of financial literacy and consumer education in alignment with the Illinois Social Science Learning Standards for Economics and Financial Literacy or other relevant career and technical education learning standards, as appropriate (rather than courses which include instruction in the area of consumer education). Sets forth specified requirements for the instruction. Provides that that the State Board of Education shall determine, subject to appropriation, how to prepare and make available instructional resources and professional learning opportunities for educators that may be used for the purpose of meeting the requirements (rather than devise or approve the consumer education curriculum for grades 9 through 12 and specify the minimum amount of instruction).

  CURRENT STATUS

6/29/2024 - Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Instructional Materials Article of the School Code. Provides that a school district (including a charter school) shall require that books that are included as a part of any course, material, instruction, reading assignment, or other school curricula related to literature during the school year or that appear on summer reading lists must include books that are written by diverse authors, including, but not limited to, authors who are African American, women, Native American, LatinX, and Asian. Provides that reading material may not perpetuate bias against persons based on specified categories. Provides that for any school district utilizing federal funds under Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the selection of each book to be included in a reading assignment, course material and instruction, or other school curricula related to literature must first receive prior approval from the school board before the book may be included. Provides that the criteria for the approval or denial of a book shall be determined by school board policy, but the minimum requirement is that the book may not be approved by the school board if the book contains language or material that is derogatory or racist or incites hate against any persons. Provides for rulemaking and guidelines. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/31/2023 - FIRST READING

Amends the School Code. Subject to appropriation, requires the State Board of Education to establish and implement a statewide, online curricula program that allows public schools the option to access school curricula, coursework, course material, modules, textbooks, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools or materials required for the successful completion of a course of study through an online portal. Provides that the program may be used to support in-person instruction and remote and blended remote learning and to supplement course curricula or may be used as a stand-alone resource available to educators and students. Provides that the program shall be made accessible to schools and students through a platform available through the State Board. Allows a school board to adopt a policy for the use and implementation of this program. Provides for funding and rulemaking.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Creates the Inclusive American History Act. Establishes the Inclusive American History Commission to (i) address the deficiencies and inadequacies in both perspective and content in traditional history course material and instruction and (ii) develop multiperspective, inclusive, and comprehensive standards that a school may use as a guide in replacing or developing its curricula for history education. Sets forth the membership of the Commission. Contains provisions concerning meetings, duties, and reporting. Repeals these provisions on December 31, 2024. Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, requires schools to suspend all instruction in history education, with exceptions. Not later than June 30, 2024, requires the State Superintendent of Education to provide to schools instructional guidelines and standards based on the recommendations of the Commission so that schools may develop alternative curricula to replace traditional course material and instruction to ensure that students obtain a multiperspective, inclusive, and comprehensive understanding about history. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, schools shall resume instruction in history, which shall require the use of age-appropriate discussion, textbooks, and other course material that reframe the study of history by presenting to students an examination of history through the inclusion of diverse perspectives, contrary interpretations, and the viewpoints of various groups of people whose voices have traditionally been excluded from the conventional teaching of history. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning an Internet safety education curriculum, provides that, beginning January 1, 2024 and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the State Board of Education shall review and submit a report to the General Assembly of recommended revisions to the Internet safety education curriculum provisions to ensure the Internet safety education curriculum aligns with current best practices and reflects current technology and customary uses of the Internet.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/31/2023 - FIRST READING

Amends the School Code. Removes the requirement that beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other course requirements, successfully complete 2 years of foreign language courses, which may include American Sign Language.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/31/2023 - FIRST READING

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to adopt a policy to (i) allow the parent or legal guardian of a child to notify the school principal or a designee in writing that the parent or legal guardian objects to the use of specific course material and (ii) allow the child to use alternative course material. Requires the alternative course material to be provided at the expense of the parent or legal guardian. Requires the content of the alternative course material to be sufficiently equivalent to the specific course material to enable the child to meet State standards in a particular subject area. Effective July 1, 2023.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/1/2023 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education, subject to appropriation, shall establish a program that awards grants to eligible school districts to support computer science education professional development. Provides for how grant funds may be used. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall annually disseminate a request for applications to receive a grant under this program and funds shall be distributed annually. Sets forth criteria for applying for and awarding grants. Provides for rulemaking. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. By December 31, 2023, requires the State Board of Education to create a Parent Advisory Committee for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations to the State Board with respect to the State Board's process of adopting new teaching or learning standards. Requires the State Board to review and consider the recommendations made by the committee prior to adopting a proposed teaching or learning standard, but does not require the State Board to accept any of the recommendations. Sets forth the membership of the committee; requires all committee members to be the parent of a student enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school in this State. Provides that members shall serve without compensation. Sets forth provisions concerning vacancies on the committee and committee meetings. Requires the State Board to provide administrative support to the committee. Effective July 1, 2023.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/7/2023 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the School Code. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, allows public schools to include in their curriculum, for students in grades 3 through 12, a course in the history and literature of the Old Testament era and a course in the history and literature of the New Testament era. Provides that the purpose of such courses shall be to teach and study the Old and New Testaments and to familiarize students with the contents of the Old and New Testaments, the history recorded by the Old and New Testaments, the literary style and structure of the Old and New Testaments, the customs and cultures of the peoples and societies recorded in the Old and New Testaments, and the influence of the Old and New Testaments upon law, history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals, values, and culture. Requires the State Board of Education to adopt a curriculum for each course. Sets forth provisions concerning course requirements, personnel, and monitoring. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/7/2023 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Instructional Materials Article of the School Code. Provides that a school district (including a charter school) shall require that books that are included as a part of any course, material, instruction, reading assignment, or other school curricula related to literature during the school year or that appear on summer reading lists must include books that are written by diverse authors, including, but not limited to, authors who are African American, women, Native American, LatinX, and Asian. Provides that reading material may not perpetuate bias against persons based on specified categories. Provides that for any school district utilizing federal funds under Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the selection of each book to be included in a reading assignment, course material and instruction, or other school curricula related to literature must first receive prior approval from the school board before the book may be included. Provides that the criteria for the approval or denial of a book shall be determined by school board policy, but the minimum requirement is that the book may not be approved by the school board if the book contains language or material that is derogatory or racist or incites hate against any persons. Provides for rulemaking and guidelines. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - House Committee Amendment No. 3 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. In provisions concerning postsecondary and career expectations, provides that, beginning in grade 6, students should be introduced to the importance of developing and applying a work ethic in a variety of contexts; sets forth what this introduction may include.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/19/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that every public school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of the civil rights movement in the United States from 1954 to 1968, the natural law and natural rights principles that the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., drew from and that informed his leadership of the civil rights movement, and the tactics and strategies of nonviolent resistance that he championed in response to the Jim Crow laws of that era. Provides that the curriculum shall include an additional unit of instruction studying other acts of discriminatory injustice, such as genocide, elsewhere around the globe. Provides that the State Board of Education shall prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for development of the units of instruction. Allows a school board to determine the minimum amount of instructional time required. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Provides that school districts shall teach students how to read using phonics.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/27/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the School Code. With respect to the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, removes language that provides that the State Board of Education may distribute an amount not to exceed 2% of the moneys appropriated for the Program for the purpose of providing teacher training and re-training in the teaching of reading. Provides that if the appropriation for the Program for a given fiscal year is less than $15,000,000, then the State Board shall limit eligibility to certain school districts and shall impose additional eligibility criteria to limit the number of approved applicants to a cohort sufficient for each selected district to provide adequate training and ongoing coaching support to each teacher of students in grades K through 2 and special education teachers and evidence-based curriculum investments. Removes language that provides that programs provided with grant funds shall not replace quality classroom reading instruction. Provides that Program funds may be used for grades K through 6 to provide both evidence-based, high-quality core literacy curriculum materials that consider the unique needs of English learners for concurrent oral language practice and high-quality screening assessments designed to inform instruction in English language arts and literacy for students (instead of classroom reading materials for students). Sets forth other provisions concerning if the appropriation is less than $15,000,000 or is at least $15,000,000.

  CURRENT STATUS

5/19/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Literary and Justice for All Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement core reading instruction programs, a template to develop literacy plans, and guidance. Requires the State Board to develop training opportunities in teaching reading and a comprehensive literacy plan for this State. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, the requirements to receive a Professional Educator License, taking a test in reading foundations for certain licensure, and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/28/2023 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning educational service centers, changes references relating to comprehensive personal health and safety education and comprehensive sexual health education to family life - sex education. Repeals provisions concerning comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education. Instead, adds provisions concerning sex education, family life, and instruction on diseases. Makes changes in the Chicago School District Article concerning HIV training, including providing AIDS training instead. Makes conforming changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/6/2024 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Travis Weaver

Amends the School Code. Repeals provisions requiring play time in elementary school.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that safety around icy bodies of water shall be included in the Comprehensive Health Education Program in grades pre-kindergarten through 8.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/17/2023 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall create and maintain a comprehensive training program in advanced manufacturing to ensure an adequate supply of trained and skilled individuals to work in advanced manufacturing and to ensure appropriate representation of racial and ethnic groups in all phases of the industry. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop the advanced manufacturing training program to be taught as part of the curriculum of the public school system from grades K-12 and made readily available to all school districts. Provides that school districts may include programs in education in advanced manufacturing as a part of the curriculum of that district. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt such rules as are necessary to implement the program. Provides that the rules shall not create any new State mandates on school districts as a condition of receiving federal, State, and local funds by those entities. Provides that the State Board of Education shall assume responsibility for the administration of the program throughout all public school districts as well as developing the advanced manufacturing program to match the requirements and mandates of federal programming.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/17/2023 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Course of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade beginning with the 2028-2029 school year must successfully complete either 2 years of foreign language courses or at least 2 years of career-focused coursework that has been authorized by the State Board of Education as meeting the requirements for a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act (rather than requiring the successful completion of 2 years of foreign language courses). Amends the University of Illinois Act, the Southern Illinois University Management Act, the Chicago State University Law, the Eastern Illinois University Law, the Governors State University Law, the Illinois State University Law, the Northeastern State University Law, the Northern Illinois University Law, and the Western Illinois University Law. Provides that a university may not require State public high school graduates, as a condition of acceptance, to have completed any years of foreign language courses unless the university permits, as an alternative to completion of a foreign language course, attainment of a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/6/2024 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Patrick Windhorst

Amends the Election Code, the Illinois Procurement Code, the School Code, and the Promissory Note and Bank Holiday Act to designate the first day following the beginning of Ramadan as a State holiday. Makes conforming changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions regarding required high school courses, provides that a school board may determine which career and technical education courses that the school district offers fulfill the high school course requirements. Provides that the State Board may override the school district's determination if the State Board has a legitimate reason for overriding.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/17/2023 - Referred to House Rules

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that a mathematics course that includes geometry content may be offered as an integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, or career and technical education course that prepares a student for a career readiness path. Effective June 30, 2024.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Board Article of the School Code. Provides that a school district that elects to implement College and Career Pathway Endorsements by July 1, 2025 is encouraged to provide job coaching to students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs. Provides that duties of the job coaches may include teaching skills, such as resume preparation, career counseling and exploration, and acting as a liaison to the business community. Effective July 1, 2025.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In the provisions concerning required high school courses, allows a pupil to take one year of a foreign language course (rather than 2 years), if, upon completing one year of foreign language coursework, the pupil, the pupil's parent or guardian, and the school counselor meet to discuss the pupil's postsecondary education or career goals, and, at that meeting, it is determined (i) that the pupil will take one year of career and technical education coursework, (ii) that a second year of foreign language coursework will limit the pupil's access to career and technical education coursework, and (iii) that the pupil does not need a second year of foreign language coursework to meet the pupil's postsecondary education and career goals. Provides that, following this meeting, the pupil's parent or guardian may opt the pupil out of a second year of foreign language coursework in a form and manner that is prescribed by the State Board of Education. Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in this State. Provides that a university may not require a public high school student to have completed 2 years of foreign language coursework while in high school if it was determined in high school that the student was not required to and the student's parent or guardian opted the student out. Provides that if the student completed only one year of foreign language coursework in high school, the university may require the student to take no less than one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the university. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/25/2024 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandun Schweizer

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code and the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Removes provisions concerning fentanyl education from the School Code. Provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program shall include disaster preparedness (instead of survival) and the use and abuse of fentanyl. Makes a change concerning the instruction on mental health and illness. Provides that the curricula on alcohol and drug use and abuse shall be age and developmentally appropriate and may include the information contained in the Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide, as applicable, and makes a change concerning the development and availability of instructional materials and guidelines. Provides that the Program shall include instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of fentanyl in grades 6 through 12. Sets forth requirements concerning the instruction, study, and discussion, including requiring that students in grades 9 through 12 be assessed. Provides that the instruction, study, and discussion may be taught by a licensed educator, school nurse, or school counselor. Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that a school social worker or law enforcement officer may teach the instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of fentanyl.

  CURRENT STATUS

6/21/2024 - Sent to Governor for Signature

Amends the School Code. Provides that every public school shall provide instruction, study, and discussion of current problems and needs in the conservation of natural resources, including climate change. Provides that the content of climate change curriculum must be supported by the weight of research conducted in compliance with accepted scientific methods and published in peer-reviewed journals or comprises of information recognized as accurate and objective. Provides that the State Board of Education may devise or approve the climate change education curriculum.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that each school board may provide instruction in anti-litter education in all grades and include that instruction in the courses of study regularly taught in those grades. Provides that by January 1, 2025, the State Board of Education shall post on its Internet website instructional materials relating to teaching anti-litter education. Creates the Anti-Litter Education Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Superintendent of Education may provide a grant to a school district to support the school district's anti-litter programming, including implementation of litterbug programs within the schools of the district. Provides that grants may be awarded from the Anti-Litter Education Fund. Provides for rulemaking. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Instead of requiring consumer education to be taught and studied, provides that, beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2027-2028 school year, pupils in the public schools in grade 11 or 12 shall be taught and be required to complete a stand-alone, one-semester or equivalent course covering personal finance. Sets forth what topics must be included. Provides that the State Board of Education shall devise or approve the personal finance education standards for the course. Provides that the school board shall oversee implementation of the course for each high school student prior to graduation. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish a Financial Literacy Implementation Committee no later than June 30, 2024 to make recommendations to the State Superintendent of Education concerning the implementation of the course for each high school student prior to graduation. Sets forth provisions concerning Committee members, meetings, and support. Provides that the State Board of Education shall present regular and timely reports to the Committee regarding the implementation of the course. Requires a pupil to successfully complete a course on personal finance education as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma (rather than allowing a financial literacy course to be included as part of the social studies requirement). Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education, in consultation with licensed clinical social workers and licensed social workers, shall develop a unit of instruction on mental health that teaches students in grades 9 through 12 essential skills for recognizing and managing mental health issues effectively. Provides that the unit of instruction shall include a list of resources available to a student. Provides that the unit of instruction shall be made available to each school district that maintains grades 9 through 12 by July 1, 2025. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/7/2024 - Referred to House Rules

House FLoor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, every public school shall provide instruction on climate change, which shall include, but not be limited to, identifying the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on individuals and communities and evaluating solutions for addressing and mitigating the impact of climate change and shall be in alignment with State learning standards, as appropriate. Provides that the State Board of Education shall, subject to appropriation, prepare and make available multi-disciplinary instructional resources and professional learning opportunities for educators that may be used to meet the requirements of the instruction. Effective July 1, 2025.

  CURRENT STATUS

6/21/2024 - Sent to Governor for Signature

Amends the Dual Credit Quality Act. Makes changes concerning high school and community college partnership agreements, the Dual Credit Committee, instructor and other standards for dual credit courses, and the data in reports made by institutions of higher learning. Provides that a Dual Credit Instructor Endorsement Framework shall be developed through a committee involving collaboration between the Illinois Community College Board and the State Board of Education by December 31, 2024. Sets forth the membership of the committee. Provides that the Framework shall establish criteria for evaluating instructors on the basis of academic credentials, progress toward academic credentials, equivalent experience, or some combination of these. Sets forth what the criteria shall include and what the Framework may do. Effective immediately.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as introduced with the following changes. Provides that a Dual Credit Instructor Qualification Framework (instead of a Dual Credit Instructor Endorsement Framework) shall be developed through a committee involving collaboration between the Illinois Community College Board and the State Board of Education by December 31, 2024. Changes the membership of the committee and what the Framework shall include. Makes related changes concerning school district and community college partnership agreements, the Dual Credit Committee, and instructor and other standards for dual credit courses. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 1 with the following changes. Makes changes concerning high school and community college partnership agreements, out-of-state dual credit contracts, and standards concerning dual credit courses. Provides that the Illinois Community College Board shall conduct a study to examine dual credit students and their short-term and long-term outcomes, including determining how differing types and levels of credit-hour achievement influence college enrollment, persistence, advancement, and completion, either at a public community college or public university. Sets forth requirements concerning the study. Changes the membership of the Dual Credit Committee and requirements concerning the Dual Credit Instructor Qualification Framework. Makes grammatical and stylistic changes. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

5/20/2024 - Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Win Stoller

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Repeals a requirement for the Department of Public Health to provide to school districts educational materials on meningococcal disease and meningococcal vaccines. Amends the School Code to make conforming changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/19/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning parenting education, provides that school districts shall (instead of may) provide instruction in parenting education for grades 9 through 12. Effective July 1, 2024.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/25/2024 - Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Arab American history, including the history of Arab Americans in the State and the Midwest, as well as the contributions of Arab Americans from the 19th century onward. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials, including those established by the Public Broadcasting Service, that may be used as guidelines for the development of the unit of instruction. Provides that each school board shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction. Provides that the regional superintendent of schools shall monitor a school district's compliance with the curricular requirements during the regional superintendent's annual compliance visit. Provides that a school may meet the requirements through an online program or course. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the school board of a school district that maintains any of grades 9 through 12 may provide to its students in grades 9 through 12 a unit of instruction studying the events of labor history. Provides that the instruction may also include information on the rights of workers and employment opportunities. Sets forth the events and information that may be included in the instruction. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for development of the instruction. Provides that the instruction may be provided through an online program or course. Effective July 1, 2024.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. Provides that gambling and gambling addiction shall be included in the Comprehensive Health Education Program. Effective July 1, 2024.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/5/2024 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Amends the School Code. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, requires school boards to report, on their school district's website, a list of the learning materials and activities to be used for student instruction during the school year. Requires that the report also include any procedures that are in effect at each school for the documentation, review, or approval of the learning materials and activities used for student instruction. Specifies the minimum information that must be included in the report. Allows a school district to update the report on an ongoing basis, but requires the report to be updated by January 1 and August 1 of each year. Allows a school district to utilize collaborative online document or spreadsheet software to update or make additions to the report. Sets forth other requirements. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

1/8/2024 - Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Tom Bennett

Amends the School Code. Provides that the dyslexia handbook developed by the State Board of Education shall include guidelines on the administration of a universal screener and dyslexia screening, the interpretation of data from these screeners, and the resulting appropriate instruction within a multi-tiered system of support framework. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt any rules necessary to ensure that a student will be screened for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener. Sets forth guidelines for developing a universal screening. Sets forth which students are required to be screened. Provides that no later than January 1, 2025, the State Board of Education shall employ at least 5 dyslexia specialists or dyslexia therapists with a minimum of 5 years of field experience in screening, identifying, and treating dyslexia and related disorders. Provides that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, each school district must screen students in grades kindergarten through 2 for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener approved by the State Board of Education. Provides that if a student is determined to be either at risk or at some risk for dyslexia after the universal screener has been administered, the school district must administer a dyslexia screening of the student. Provides that if a student's dyslexia screening indicates that the student has characteristics of dyslexia, the dyslexia intervention services provided to the student must utilize a structured literacy approach as outlined in the State Board of Education's handbook. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Instead of requiring consumer education to be taught and studied, provides that beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2024-2025 school year, pupils in the public schools in grade 11 or 12 shall be taught and be required to complete a stand-alone, one-semester or equivalent course covering personal finance, which shall include, but is not limited to, instruction covering behavioral economics; banking and bill payment; investing; types of credit; managing credit; including credit scores; paying for college; insurance; taxes; budgeting; consumer skills; retirement planning, including tax-advantaged retirement plans; home ownership and financing; and personal transportation, including car ownership and leasing. Provides that the State Board of Education shall devise or approve the personal finance education standards for the course. Provides that the school board shall oversee implementation of the personal finance course for each high school student prior to graduation. Specifies the oversight duties of the school board. In provisions regarding required high school courses, provides that the personal finance education course may be counted toward the fulfillment of other graduation requirements. Makes other changes.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of pre-Columbian Native American societies and the contemporary life of Native American societies. Provides that, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the history of Native Americans during and after the American Revolution, including studying their relationships with settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the contributions of Native Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. Provides that, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the geography and culture of West African societies, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and manners in which cultural traditions persevered despite societal oppression. Requires schools to have guidance counselors available during this instruction. Sets forth requirements for these units of instruction regarding instructional material, instructional time, and compliance. Provides that a school may provide these units of instruction through an online program or course.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/7/2023 - Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district may offer a firearm safety training course to students in grades 9 through 12, which may include instruction on hunting safety. Provides that if a school district offers the course, a student may not be required to take the course. Provides that if a school board intends to offer a firearm safety training course, it must develop a policy to implement the course and must publish that policy on the district's website.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/23/2023 - Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Andrew S. Chesney

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. With respect to the requirement that a pupil successfully complete 2 years of social studies as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, provides that students must take a course in financial literacy (instead of may take a course in financial literacy). Effective July 1, 2023.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/10/2023 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the Instructional Materials Article of the School Code. Provides that a school district (including a charter school) shall require that books that are included as a part of any course, material, instruction, reading assignment, or other school curricula related to literature during the school year or that appear on summer reading lists must include books that are written by diverse authors, including, but not limited to, authors who are African American, women, Native American, LatinX, and Asian. Provides that reading material may not perpetuate bias against persons based on specified categories. Provides that for any school district utilizing federal funds under Title I, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the selection of each book to be included in a reading assignment, course material and instruction, or other school curricula related to literature must first receive prior approval from the school board before the book may be included. Provides that the criteria for the approval or denial of a book shall be determined by school board policy, but the minimum requirement is that the book may not be approved by the school board if the book contains language or material that is derogatory or racist or incites hate against any persons. Provides for rulemaking and guidelines. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/9/2023 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Creates the Literary and Justice for All Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt and make available to school districts a rubric by which districts may evaluate curricula and select and implement evidence-based, culturally inclusive core reading instruction programs, a template to develop literacy plans, and guidance on evidence-based practices. Requires the State Board to develop training opportunities in teaching reading and a comprehensive literacy plan for this State. Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning the Reading Improvement Block Grant Program, the requirements to receive a Professional Educator License, taking a test in reading foundations for certain licensure, and the requirements for educators trained in other states or counties. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

4/26/2023 - Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety

Amends the School Code. Provides that all school districts shall provide instruction on relaxation activities such as yoga or meditation for at least one half-period of the school day to enhance both mental and physical health of students.

  CURRENT STATUS

6/26/2023 - Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to create the Science in Elementary Schools Working Group. Provides for the membership of the Working Group. Provides that the State Board of Education shall provide administrative support to the Working Group. Provides that by June 1, 2024, the Working Group shall create a crosswalk and alignment of the current Illinois Learning Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards adopted by the State Board of Education and the Illinois Learning Standards for Science, with links to available resources so elementary teachers have access to high quality, age-appropriate, and free educational materials that are centered on anatomy, physiology and nutrition to empower students with the knowledge of their own bodies and to care for their own health and well-being throughout their lives. Provides that the Working Group shall focus its recommendations on how to empower students with the knowledge to adequately understand their own bodies and care for their own health and well-being throughout their lives, with the idea that science education is more human-centered. Provides that the Working Group shall additionally focus on connecting this human-centered science education with other sciences as students advance to other areas of their science education, such as chemistry, biology, and physics, taught at later grade levels. Provides that the Working Group shall make recommendations to the State Board of Education on updating its science standards by December 31, 2025. By December 31, 2030, the State Board of Education shall review and provide updates as appropriate to the crosswalk and alignment documents and elementary storylines. The State Board of Education shall conduct these reviews and provide these updates, at a minimum, of every 5 years thereafter. Effective immediately.

House Floor Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the engrossed bill but changes the name of the Science in Elementary Schools Working Group to the Science in Elementary Schools Task Force. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

6/26/2023 - Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall create and maintain a comprehensive training program in advanced manufacturing to ensure an adequate supply of trained and skilled individuals to work in advanced manufacturing and to ensure appropriate representation of racial and ethnic groups in all phases of the industry. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop the program to be taught as part of the curriculum of the public school system from grades kindergarten through 12 and made readily available to all school districts. Provides that school districts may include programs in education in advanced manufacturing as a part of the curriculum of those districts. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt such rules as may be necessary to implement these provisions. Provides that the rules may not create any new State mandates on school districts as a condition of districts receiving federal, State, or local funds. Provides that the State Board of Education shall assume responsibility for the administration of the program throughout all school districts, as well as developing the program to match the requirements and mandates of federal programming.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/15/2024 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the State Board of Education Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall develop and post on its Internet website a document that provides information to students and residents of a school district on how to petition a school board to require that self-defense instruction be included in physical education courses.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/15/2024 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that each school district shall provide to students, in addition to and not substituting recess, at least once a week, relaxation activities to enhance the mental and physical health of students as part of the school day. Specifies which activities may be considered relaxation activities. Provides that a school district may partner with local community-based organizations to provide relaxation activities. Provides that these activities may take place in a physical education class, social-emotional learning class, or student-support or advisory class or as a part of another similar class, including a new class.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Provides that the relaxation activities may (instead of shall) be provided for at least 20 minutes a week (instead of at least once a week). Provides that a school district may partner with public and private community organizations (instead of local community-based organizations) to provide relaxation activities.

  CURRENT STATUS

6/14/2024 - Sent to Governor for Signature

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 - Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning safety education and driver education courses, provides that the course instruction on special hazards existing at and required safety and driving precautions that must be observed at highway construction and maintenance zones shall include worker safety in highway construction and maintenance zones. Effective August 1, 2024.

  CURRENT STATUS

6/20/2024 - Sent to Governor for Signature

Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district may offer a firearm safety training course to students in grades 9 through 12, which may include instruction on hunting safety. Provides that if a school district offers the course, a student may not be required to take the course. Provides that if a school board intends to offer a firearm safety training course, then the school board must develop a policy to implement the course and must publish that policy on the district's website.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/6/2024 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, every public elementary school and high school social studies course pertaining to American history shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of the previous 30 years and the causes that led up to those events. Provides for what the unit of instruction shall and may include. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education may prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials and professional development opportunities that may be used as guidelines for development of the unit of instruction. Provides that each school board shall itself determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction. Provides that the regional superintendent of schools shall monitor a school district's compliance with the curricular requirements during the regional superintendent's annual compliance visit and make recommendations for improvement, including professional development. Effective July 1, 2024.

  CURRENT STATUS

2/8/2024 - Referred to Senate Assignments

Creates the Let America Read Act. Provides that an entity or an entity's staff with oversight over the books, instructional materials, or curriculum used in a public school may not refuse to approve or prohibit the use of books, instructional materials, or a curriculum, including, but not limited to, memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies, based upon the depiction of matters of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health, gender identity, religion, or human rights activism. Provides that these provisions do not restrict an entity with oversight over the books, instructional materials, or curriculum used in a public school from imposing limitations on the access to books, instructional materials, or a curriculum based upon the age and developmental level of the students who will have access. Amends the School Code to set forth a penalty for a school district that violates the Act.

  CURRENT STATUS

5/14/2024 - Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Emil Jones, III

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, every public high school shall include instruction on climate change and the impacts and causes of climate change in grades 9 through 12 in specified courses. Provides that the State Board of Education shall convene a working group of students, educators, and experts in the area of climate change. Sets forth tasks for the working group concerning State learning standards. Provides that the State Superintendent of Education shall prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials and professional development training for educators that may be used as guidelines for development of the instruction. Effective immediately.

  CURRENT STATUS

3/15/2024 - Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments