Education (K-12 Education)

The Student Cardiac Safety Act requires qualified health care professionals to include a cardiovascular prescreening in physical examinations for student athletes in grades kindergarten through 12 starting in the 2027-2028 school year. This requirement will expand to all students during their annual well-child visits beginning in the 2028-2029 school year. The prescreening involves collecting personal and family medical history data along with a focused physical exam, and any positive findings must result in a referral to a cardiologist for further evaluation. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Public Health publish annual reports on screening outcomes and distribute educational materials about heart disease risks to families and schools.

Illinois House Bill 5808 amends state law to require interscholastic athletic associations to allow high school student-athletes in grades 9 through 12 to transfer schools and maintain full athletic eligibility, provided that both the sending and receiving principals submit written consent. This consent must confirm that staff at the new school did not recruit or improperly influence the student's decision to move. The bill prevents athletic associations from restricting a transferring student's eligibility based on their reason for changing schools, although students who transfer after a season has already begun are barred from participating in that specific sport for the rest of the year. Additionally, any existing ineligibility penalties imposed by the previous school must be enforced at the new school for the remaining duration of the penalty or 365 days, whichever is shorter.

Congratulates Lazaro Lopez, Ed.D. on the conclusion of his distinguished career with High School District 214, marked by his dedicated service to public education and the State of Illinois. Thanks him for helping shape the futures of thousands of students while strengthening pathways to the middle class.

This bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates the Beethoven Elementary School Class of 2026 on their graduation. It recognizes the students' academic achievements and expresses good wishes for their future success. The resolution also directs that a copy of the document be given to the school as a symbol of appreciation. This measure is ceremonial and does not create any new laws or policy changes.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally congratulates Joanna Goldberg, a teacher at Sherlock Elementary School in Cicero, for being named to the Extraordinary Educators Class of 2026 by Curriculum Associates. The resolution highlights her 17 years of teaching experience and her students' academic achievements, such as meeting MAP goals in 2024, as reasons for the honor. It also states that a copy of the resolution will be presented to her as a symbol of respect and esteem.

Encourages all public school districts serving grades 6 through 12 to develop a plan to adopt school start times that reflect the biological sleep needs of adolescents.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally commends Dr. Ken Hendriksen for his long career in education. It recognizes his leadership roles at various schools and his work improving facilities and fundraising at St. Teresa High School in Decatur. The resolution does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Illinois House of Representatives.

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.

Supports the principles put forth by Illinois ASCD/PD365 regarding the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence in K-12 classrooms. Urges the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), in collaboration with school districts, educators, technology experts, and stakeholder organizations, to develop statewide guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, including protections for student data, expectations for algorithmic transparency, monitoring for bias, and the incorporation of digital and AI literacy into Illinois curricula to ensure students can thoughtfully and ethically engage with emerging technologies. Encourages investment in educator professional development and equitable access to technology, including broadband infrastructure, one-to-one devices, and AI-enabled tools to ensure that all Illinois educators and students are prepared to use artificial intelligence responsibly, effectively, and fairly across all schools.

Amends the School Code. Requires students in the public schools in grades 6 through 12 to receive instruction in career and technical education, which may be satisfied by attending a field trip to a local career and technical education training center. Allows a school board to include the required instruction in the courses of study regularly taught in the public schools, provided that the instruction is given each year to all pupils in grades 6 through 12. Provides that each school board shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time required.