Education (Curriculum)

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the cursive writing instruction offered by public elementary schools must be offered to students in grades 3 through 5 (rather than requiring school districts to determine at what grade level or levels students are to be offered cursive writing, provided that such instruction must be offered before students complete grade 5).

Amends the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, every public elementary school and high school shall include the study of Latinx communities in the curriculum across all content areas, including the contributions made by individual Latinx communities in government and the arts, humanities, mathematics, and sciences, as well as the contributions of Latinx to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. Allows the State Superintendent of Education to prepare and make available to all school boards instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for development of the unit of instruction. Requires a regional superintendent of schools to monitor a school district's compliance with the curricular requirements. Provides that each school board shall itself determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction satisfying these requirements. Allows a school to meet the requirements through an online program or course.

Affirms the value of incorporating age-appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and life-saving skills into the curriculum for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Recognizes that collaboration with medical providers and emergency response organizations could prove beneficial to the development of guidelines and resources, ensuring these age appropriate lessons are delivered effectively and safely. Recognizes that the prioritization of interactive, hands-on learning opportunities have proven effective in engaging students and making lessons impactful while maintaining adherence to safety standards. Recognizes the importance of making life-saving education an integral part of preparing young people to be not only good students but also responsible and compassionate citizens capable of responding effectively in times of crisis.