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| Public Act 104-0266 | ||||
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AN ACT concerning education. | ||||
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, | ||||
represented in the General Assembly: | ||||
Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Article | ||||
14D as follows: | ||||
(105 ILCS 5/Art. 14D heading new) | ||||
ARTICLE 14D. DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION | ||||
(105 ILCS 5/14D-5 new) | ||||
Sec. 14D-5. Statewide guidance. | ||||
(a) By December 15, 2026, the State Board of Education | ||||
shall adopt comprehensive guidance for school districts | ||||
regarding the establishment of new dual language education | ||||
programs and the expansion of existing dual language education | ||||
programs. | ||||
(b) The guidance adopted under this Section shall cover | ||||
the following topics: | ||||
(1) program structure; | ||||
(2) curriculum; | ||||
(3) instruction; | ||||
(4) assessment and accountability; | ||||
(5) staff quality and professional development; | ||||
(6) family and community engagement; and | ||||
(7) support and resources. | ||
(105 ILCS 5/14D-10 new) | ||
Sec. 14D-10. Equity Journey Continuum. By July 1, 2029, | ||
the State Board of Education's Equity Journey Continuum shall | ||
integrate the following components into the comprehensive | ||
strategic plan developed by the State Board of Education under | ||
Section 2-3.47a: | ||
(1) Dual language education into the broader framework | ||
of student learning to ensure it is considered an | ||
essential part of educational equity and excellence. | ||
(2) Specific provisions for dual language teachers, | ||
focusing on recruitment, professional development, and | ||
retention of bilingual educators. | ||
(105 ILCS 5/14D-15 new) | ||
Sec. 14D-15. Biliteracy recognition. By July 1, 2027, the | ||
State Board of Education shall establish recognition pathways | ||
for biliteracy at various levels before high school. School | ||
districts may choose to participate in the pathways to | ||
biliteracy program. The pathways recognition shall include: | ||
(1) a recognition pathway for biliteracy for | ||
prekindergarten or kindergarten students; | ||
(2) a recognition pathway for biliteracy for 5th grade | ||
students; and | ||
(3) a recognition pathway for biliteracy for 8th grade | ||
students. | ||
The State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement | ||
the requirements of this Section. | ||