SB1685 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 26055 RJT 52410 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB1685

Introduced 2/8/2023, by Sen. Laura M. Murphy

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/2-3.11e new
105 ILCS 5/2-3.25	from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25

Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Supporting Special Needs Students Law. Amends the School Code. When computing certain completion rates, requires the State Superintendent of Education to exclude students who: are at least 18 years of age as of September 1 of the school year as reported for the fall semester and have satisfied the credit requirements for high school graduation; have not completed their individualized education program; and are enrolled and receiving individualized education program services. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, in high school districts in counties with populations greater than 800,000 but less than 4,000,000 where there are 2 high schools individually serving grades 9 through 12 and where enrollment is less than 2,500 at any school, enrollment shall be balanced across high schools within the district equally, not to exceed a 15% enrollment difference when averaged over the previous 3 consecutive years.

STATE MANDATES ACT MAY REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. This Act may be referred to as the Supporting Special Needs Students Law.

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 2-3.11e and changing Section 2-3.25 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.11e new)

Sec. 2-3.11e. Adult students receiving special education services; computation of completion rates. Relating to the exclusion of certain adult students receiving special education services from computation of completion rates for purposes of public school accountability, when computing completion rates under Section 10-17a, the State Superintendent of Education shall exclude students who:

(1) are at least 18 years of age as of September 1 of the school year as reported for the fall semester and have satisfied the credit requirements for high school graduation;

(2) have not completed their individualized education program in accordance with Section 14-1.02 of this Code and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.); and

(3) are enrolled and receiving individualized education program services.

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.25) (from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25)

Sec. 2-3.25. Standards for schools.

(a) To determine for all types of schools conducted under this Act efficient and adequate standards for the physical plant, heating, lighting, ventilation, sanitation, safety, equipment and supplies, instruction and teaching, curriculum, library, operation, maintenance, administration and supervision, and to issue, refuse to issue or revoke certificates of recognition for schools or school districts pursuant to standards established hereunder; to determine and establish efficient and adequate standards for approval of credit for courses given and conducted by schools outside of the regular school term.

(a-5) On or before July 1, 2021, the State Board of Education must adopt revised social science learning standards that are inclusive and reflective of all individuals in this country.

(b) Whenever it appears that a secondary or unit school district may be unable to offer courses enabling students in grades 9 through 12 to meet the minimum preparation and admission requirements for public colleges and universities adopted by the Board of Higher Education, the State Board of Education shall assist the district in reviewing and analyzing its existing curriculum with particular reference to the educational needs of all pupils of the district and the sufficiency of existing and future revenues and payments available to the district for development of a curriculum which will provide maximum educational opportunity to pupils of the district. The review and analysis may consider achievement of this goal not only through implementation of traditional classroom methods but also through development of and participation in joint educational programs with other school districts or institutions of higher education, or alternative programs employing modern technological methods including but not limited to the use of television, telephones, computers, radio and other electronic devices.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, in high school districts in counties with populations greater than 800,000 but less than 4,000,000 where there are 2 high schools individually serving grades 9 through 12 and where enrollment is less than 2,500 at any school, enrollment shall be balanced across high schools within the district equally, not to exceed a 15% enrollment difference when averaged over the previous 3 consecutive years.

(Source: P.A. 101-654, eff. 3-8-21.)