Public Act 0266 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB3026 Enrolled LRB104 06353 LNS 16389 b

Public Act 104-0266

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.

Effective Date: 1/1/2026