HB2527 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 10670 MLM 20894 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
HB2527

Introduced , by Rep. Joe Sosnowski

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/3-15.12a new

Amends the School Code. Authorizes eligible applicants (defined as a non-profit entity in partnership with a regional superintendent of schools, the chief administrator of an intermediate service center that has the authority to issue a high school diploma, or the Chicago school district) to design a high school diploma program for adult learners. Requires eligible applicants to apply for approval of a program to the State Superintendent of Education. Sets forth other requirements. 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 adding Section 3-15.12a as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/3-15.12a new)

Sec. 3-15.12a. High school diploma for adult learners.

(a) In this Section:

"Adult learner" means a person ineligible for reenrollment under subsection (b) of Section 26-2 of this Code and 34 CFR 300.102.

"Eligible applicant" means a non-profit entity in partnership with a regional superintendent of schools; the chief administrator of an intermediate service center that has the authority, under rules adopted by the State Board, to issue a high school diploma; or a school district organized under Article 34 of this Code.

"High school diploma program for adult learners" means a program approved to operate under this Section that provides a program of alterative study to adult learners leading to the issuance of a high school diploma.

"State Board" means the State Board of Education.

"State Superintendent" means the State Superintendent of Education.

(b) An eligible applicant is authorized to design a high school diploma program for adult learners, to be approved by the State Superintendent prior to implementation. An eligible applicant shall include, without limitation, all of the following in the application for approval under subsection (c) of this Section:

(1) Evidence of an administrative structure, program activities, program staff, a budget, and a specific curriculum that is consistent with Illinois Learning Standards but may be different from a regular school program in terms of location, length of school day, program sequence, multidisciplinary courses, pace, instructional activities, or any combination of these.

(2) Evidence or documentation that the program will issue a high school diploma only if an adult learner meets all minimum requirements under this Code and its implementing rules for receipt of a high school diploma.

(3) A description of specific academic, behavioral, and emotional support services to be offered to adult learners enrolled in the program.

(4) Evidence that the program will offer career education courses that lead to industry certifications in high growth and in-demand industry sectors or dual college credits from an accredited post-secondary educational entity or community college. The program may include partnering with a public community college district to provide career and occupational education courses that lead to industry certifications.

(5) A description of specific program outcomes and goals and metrics to be used by the program to determine success.

(6) An assurance that all instructional staff hold an educator license valid for the high school grades issued under Article 21B of this Code.

(7) Any other requirements adopted by rule by the State Board.

(c) Eligible applicants shall apply for approval of a high school diploma program for adult learners to the State Superintendent on forms prescribed by the State Superintendent.

(1) Initial approval shall be for a period not to exceed 2 school years.

(2) Renewal of approval shall be for a period not to exceed 4 school years and shall be contingent upon at least specific documented outcomes of student progression, graduation rates, and earning of industry-recognized credentials.

(3) Program approval may be given only if the State Superintendent determines that the eligible applicant has met the requirements of subsection (b) of this Section and any rules adopted by the State Board.

(4) Notwithstanding anything in this Code to the contrary, a non-profit eligible applicant shall provide the following to the State Superintendent:

(A) documentation that the non-profit entity will fulfill the requirements of subsection (b) of this Section;

(B) evidence that the non-profit entity has the capacity to fulfill the requirements of this Section;

(C) a description of the coordination and oversight that the eligible entity will provide in the administration of the program by the non-profit entity;

(D) evidence that the non-profit entity has a history of providing services to adults 18 years of age or older whose educational and training opportunities have been limited by educational disadvantages, disabilities, and challenges.

Funding for the purposes of this paragraph (4) is subject to appropriation, private funding, or other funding sources the non-profit entity secures.

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