HB5875 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 19390 NHT 34781 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB5875

Introduced 2/10/2010, by Rep. Robert F. Flider

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/10-22.18

from Ch. 122, par. 10-22.18

Amends the School Code. In order to study the educational value of kindergartens in terms of student academic achievement, requires the State Board of Education to implement a pilot program in Decatur School District 61 in which kindergartens for the instruction of children between the ages of 4 and 6 years are established for all children of that age in the district. Provides that from appropriations for this purpose not to exceed $250,000 per fiscal year, the State Board of Education shall provide funding for the pilot program, including covering the costs of the study and the necessary expenses of these kindergartens. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT 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 5. The School Code is amended by changing Section 10-22.18 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/10-22.18) (from Ch. 122, par. 10-22.18)

Sec. 10-22.18. Kindergartens. To establish kindergartens for the instruction of children between the ages of 4 and 6 years, if in their judgment the public interest requires it, and to pay the necessary expenses thereof out of the school funds of the district. Upon petition of at least 50 parents or guardians of children between the ages of 4 and 6, residing within any school district and within one mile of the public school where such kindergarten is proposed to be established, the board of directors shall, if funds are available, establish a kindergarten in connection with the public school designated in the petition and maintain it as long as the annual average daily attendance therein is not less than 15. The board may establish a kindergarten with half-day attendance or with full-day attendance. If the board establishes full-day kindergarten, it shall also establish half-day kindergarten.

No one shall be employed to teach in a kindergarten who does not hold a certificate as provided by law.

In order to study the educational value of kindergartens in terms of student academic achievement, the State Board of Education shall implement a pilot program in Decatur School District 61 in which kindergartens for the instruction of children between the ages of 4 and 6 years are established for all children of that age in the district. These kindergartens may provide either half-day attendance or full-day attendance. From appropriations for this purpose not to exceed $250,000 per fiscal year, the State Board of Education shall provide funding for the pilot program, including covering the costs of the study and the necessary expenses of these kindergartens.

(Source: P.A. 84-1308.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.