Education (K-12 Education)

in committee · Illinois · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 2918: SCH CD-DYSLEXIA SCREENING

Amends the School Code. Provides for dyslexia screening guidelines and rules. Requires the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for specific learning disabilities to school districts. Provides that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each school district must screen students in grades kindergarten through second for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener. Sets forth what the screening must include. Provides for additional screening for a student who is determined to be at risk, or at some risk, for dyslexia to determine if the student has the characteristics of dyslexia. Requires the use of a multi-tiered system of support framework if screening indicates that a student has some risk factors for dyslexia or has the characteristics of dyslexia. Sets forth provisions concerning exceptions to screening, dyslexia intervention services, and reporting. Effective July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires dyslexia screening for K-2 students starting 2025-2026, advancing early identification and support for learning disabilities in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Illinois · House Apr 10, 2025

HB 2951: SCH CD-HIGH SCHOOL START TIME

HB 2951 amends the School Code to prohibit public high schools from starting classes before 8:45 a.m. This bill directly affects all public high schools in the state, requiring them to adjust morning schedules to begin at 8:45 a.m. or later. The key provision establishes a fixed minimum start time with no exceptions for early classes. Private high schools and other educational programs are not subject to this requirement.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates later high school start times (8:45 a.m.) to improve student health and academic outcomes, aligning with evidence-based educational best practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Illinois · House Mar 21, 2025

HB 3090: SCH CD-GIFTED & TALENTED

Amends the School Code. Removes language providing that a local program for the education of gifted and talented children may be approved for funding by the State Board of Education if funds for that purpose are available and if the local program submits an application for funds that includes a comprehensive plan. Removes language providing that the State Board of Education staff person in charge of educational programs for gifted and talented children shall be responsible for developing an approval process for educational programs for gifted and talented children. With respect to the evidence-based funding provisions, provides that in the adequacy target calculation, each organizational unit shall receive $40 per kindergarten through grade 12 for advanced academic programs (rather than for gifted investments). Makes related changes.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRemoves language enabling state funding for gifted programs, effectively defunding this initiative by eliminating approval pathways and funding availability provisions.90% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill removes language enabling funding approval and program development for gifted/talented education, effectively defunding these programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Illinois · House Mar 21, 2025

HB 1243: SCH CD-ALT LEARN-PILOT PROGRAM

Amends the Alternative Learning Opportunities Law of the School Code. Provides that Regional Office of Education No. 4 shall establish a 3-year pilot program focused on serving students in grades kindergarten through 3. Provides that students in grades kindergarten through 3 who meet enrollment criteria established by a school district and who are at risk of academic failure are eligible to participate in the pilot program. Requires the pilot program to adhere to all other rules established for alternative learning opportunities programs. Requires Regional Office of Education No. 4 to provide a report to the General Assembly outlining the pilot program's methodology and student outcomes and setting forth a comprehensive impact report and a framework for future program models. Effective immediately.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates a pilot program for at-risk K-3 students to prevent academic failure, expanding targeted educational support through a new initiative.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Illinois · Senate Mar 6, 2025

SR 131: CIVIC LEARNING WEEK

SR 131 declares March 9-17, 2025, as "Civic Learning Week" in Illinois. The resolution highlights the importance of civic education for students and communities, building on existing Illinois school requirements for civics courses in middle and high school. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but encourages schools, educators, and the public to engage in civic learning activities during that week. It formally recognizes Illinois' ongoing efforts to strengthen civic education through initiatives like the Illinois Democracy Schools network.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationSymbolic resolution promotes existing civics education requirements, encouraging school engagement without new funding or laws, aligning with educational strengthening indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Illinois · House Jan 16, 2025

HB 1210: SCH CD-NO FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQ

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.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRemoves mandatory foreign language curriculum requirement, restricting academic standards and graduation prerequisites per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Illinois · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 1786: SCH CD-HIGH SCH-REGISTER VOTER

Amends the School Code. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requires a school district maintaining any of grades 9 through 12 to provide all eligible students graduating from high school with the opportunity to register to vote. Effective immediately.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires high school districts to provide voter registration opportunities for graduating students, enhancing civic engagement and access to democratic processes as part of educational preparation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Illinois · House Oct 30, 2025

HJR 12: ED HEALTH INSURANCE TASK FORCE

Creates the Educator Health Insurance Task Force to study the feasibility of creating regional health insurance purchasing pools of school districts accessible to all public educators in school districts that have a population of less than 500,000.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates task force to study regional health insurance pools for educators, supporting teacher benefits and access to healthcare services.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates task force to study regional health insurance pools for educators, aiming to improve access to worker benefits and reduce costs for public educators.80% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Teachers

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