summary
Introduced
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the School Code. Changes the term "foreign language" to "world language" throughout the Code. Provides that a school district may establish a counselor-guided process, with the consent of a student's parent or guardian, under which the student may be exempted from one or both years of the world language requirement to receive a high school diploma beginning with the 2028-2029 school year. Sets forth requirements for the counselor-guided process. Provides that a student who has used the counselor-guided process may not be prohibited from enrolling in world language coursework in a subsequent school year. Provides that the school district shall provide equitable access to world language instruction and appropriate academic support to enable the student to meet postsecondary admission requirements if the student's goals change. Provides that nothing in the provisions may be construed to limit a student's ability to earn credits through world language coursework, demonstrate proficiency, or satisfy other graduation requirements through allowable substitutions under the Code. Provides that implementation of the counselor-guided process, the development or modification of a student's course plan, and a student's enrollment or reenrollment in world language coursework shall be carried out in accordance with the school district's existing course offerings and scheduling constraints and may not be construed to waive, eliminate, or otherwise alter the 2-year world language requirement. Makes conforming changes in various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in Illinois. Effective July 1, 2028.
AI Summary
This bill amends the School Code to replace the term "foreign language" with "world language" throughout the code, and beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, allows school districts to establish a counselor-guided process, with parental consent, to exempt students from one or both years of the world language requirement for graduation. This process requires a meeting with the student, parent, and counselor to discuss postsecondary options and potential impacts of the exemption, and includes a written acknowledgment from both student and parent understanding these impacts, along with a collaboratively developed course plan that supports the student's goals. Students who use this exemption are not prevented from enrolling in world language courses later, and school districts must ensure equitable access to world language instruction and support if a student's postsecondary goals change, without waiving the overall two-year requirement unless an exemption is approved. The bill also makes conforming changes to various acts related to public universities in Illinois, ensuring that the State Seal of Biliteracy is recognized for college admissions and that universities can translate this seal into course credit.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/17/2026)
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