HB5857 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 21370 AXK 37767 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
HB5857

Introduced , by Rep. Juliana Stratton

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/2-3.155
105 ILCS 5/27-20.4a new

Amends the School Code. With regard to the textbook block grant program, provides that the textbooks authorized to be purchased must accurately portray the diversity of our society, including the role and contributions of African American individuals, and must be non-discriminatory. Requires every public elementary school and high school to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the significant role of African American individuals in society. Specifies instruction requirements. Requires the regional superintendent of schools to monitor a school district's compliance with the curriculum requirements.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

STATE MANDATES ACT MAY REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT

A BILL FOR

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 changing Section 2-3.155 and by adding Section 27-20.4a as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.155)

Sec. 2-3.155. Textbook block grant program.

(a) The provisions of this Section are in the public interest, for the public benefit, and serve secular public purposes.

(b) As used in this Section, "textbook" means any book or book substitute that a pupil uses as a text or text substitute, including electronic textbooks. "Textbook" includes books, reusable workbooks, manuals, whether bound or in loose-leaf form, instructional computer software, and electronic textbooks and the technological equipment necessary to gain access to and use electronic textbooks intended as a principal source of study material for a given class or group of students. "Textbook" also includes science curriculum materials in a kit format that includes pre-packaged consumable materials if (i) it is shown that the materials serve as a textbook substitute, (ii) the materials are for use by the pupils as a principal learning source, (iii) each component of the materials is integrally necessary to teach the requirements of the intended course, (iv) the kit includes teacher guidance materials, and (v) the purchase of individual consumable materials is not allowed.

(c) Beginning July 1, 2011, subject to annual appropriation by the General Assembly, the State Board of Education is authorized to provide annual funding to public school districts and State-recognized, non-public schools serving students in grades kindergarten through 12 for the purchase of selected textbooks. The textbooks authorized to be purchased under this Section are limited without exception to textbooks that have been preapproved and designated by the State Board of Education for use in any public school and that are secular, non-religious, and non-sectarian, and non-discriminatory as to any of the characteristics under paragraph (A) of Section 1-102 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. Textbooks authorized to be purchased under this Section must also accurately portray the diversity of our society, including the role and contributions of African American individuals. The State Board of Education shall annually publish a list of the textbooks authorized to be purchased under this Section. Each public school district and State-recognized, non-public school shall, subject to appropriations for that purpose, receive a per pupil grant for the purchase of secular, nondiscriminatory, and accurate textbooks. The per pupil grant amount must be calculated by the State Board of Education utilizing the total appropriation made for these purposes divided by the most current student enrollment data available.

(d) The State Board of Education may adopt rules as necessary for the implementation of this Section and to ensure the religious neutrality of the textbook block grant program, as well as provide for the monitoring of all textbooks authorized in this Section to be purchased directly by State-recognized, nonpublic schools serving students in grades kindergarten through 12.

(Source: P.A. 97-570, eff. 8-25-11; 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.)

(105 ILCS 5/27-20.4a new)

Sec. 27-20.4a. African American history and awareness.

(a) In addition to the requirements under Sections 27-20.4 and 27-21 of this Code, every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the significant role of African American individuals in society. Instruction may be included in those courses that the school district chooses. This instruction shall be designed to teach that African American individuals have a rich history and have made substantial and valuable contributions to society, including government, arts, sciences, mathematics, sports, and education, and in the economic, cultural, and political development of society. The instruction shall teach about the rich advocacy among the African American community and the African American community's allies to be treated equally. Instruction shall reinforce that all people, regardless of race, have a right to be treated with civil, legal, and human rights and as full human beings above all else. When possible, adults, including African American school district employees and other African American adults in the community that the school district may decide to consult with, should be involved in the development and delivery of this instruction at the discretion of the African American individuals.

(b) The State Board of Education may prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for the development of instruction under this Section.

(c) Each school board shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time required under this Section.

(d) The regional superintendent of schools shall monitor a school district's compliance with the curriculum requirements of this Section during his or her annual compliance visit.