Bill > HB3629

This bill establishes the Adaptive Kindergarten Readiness Pilot Program, which aims to improve early childhood literacy and kindergarten preparedness through an educational technology program. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, the Secretary of State will oversee a program providing preschool children (ages 4-5) with access to an at-home educational technology platform that focuses on reading instruction, with optional math and science components. The program prioritizes 70% of its seats for low-income households or non-English speaking families and requires the selected provider to have significant experience implementing similar services, conduct external evaluations, and meet specific educational technology standards. The provider must develop a recruitment plan, provide multi-sensory reading tutoring, offer a validated reading assessment, and potentially supply technology devices and internet access to participating families at no cost. The program will evaluate its effectiveness through a comprehensive report due by July 1, 2027, which will assess program objectives, family participation, software usage, and potential performance differences between participating and non-participating children. The pilot program is set to be repealed on January 1, 2028, making it a time-limited initiative designed to explore innovative approaches to early childhood education and literacy.

Education

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3629&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104