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.


LRB100 10670 MLM 20894 b

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB2527LRB100 10670 MLM 20894 b

1    AN ACT concerning education.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section
53-15.12a as follows:
 
6    (105 ILCS 5/3-15.12a new)
7    Sec. 3-15.12a. High school diploma for adult learners.
8    (a) In this Section:
9    "Adult learner" means a person ineligible for reenrollment
10under subsection (b) of Section 26-2 of this Code and 34 CFR
11300.102.
12    "Eligible applicant" means a non-profit entity in
13partnership with a regional superintendent of schools; the
14chief administrator of an intermediate service center that has
15the authority, under rules adopted by the State Board, to issue
16a high school diploma; or a school district organized under
17Article 34 of this Code.
18    "High school diploma program for adult learners" means a
19program approved to operate under this Section that provides a
20program of alterative study to adult learners leading to the
21issuance of a high school diploma.
22    "State Board" means the State Board of Education.
23    "State Superintendent" means the State Superintendent of

 

 

HB2527- 2 -LRB100 10670 MLM 20894 b

1Education.
2    (b) An eligible applicant is authorized to design a high
3school diploma program for adult learners, to be approved by
4the State Superintendent prior to implementation. An eligible
5applicant shall include, without limitation, all of the
6following in the application for approval under subsection (c)
7of this Section:
8        (1) Evidence of an administrative structure, program
9    activities, program staff, a budget, and a specific
10    curriculum that is consistent with Illinois Learning
11    Standards but may be different from a regular school
12    program in terms of location, length of school day, program
13    sequence, multidisciplinary courses, pace, instructional
14    activities, or any combination of these.
15        (2) Evidence or documentation that the program will
16    issue a high school diploma only if an adult learner meets
17    all minimum requirements under this Code and its
18    implementing rules for receipt of a high school diploma.
19        (3) A description of specific academic, behavioral,
20    and emotional support services to be offered to adult
21    learners enrolled in the program.
22        (4) Evidence that the program will offer career
23    education courses that lead to industry certifications in
24    high growth and in-demand industry sectors or dual college
25    credits from an accredited post-secondary educational
26    entity or community college. The program may include

 

 

HB2527- 3 -LRB100 10670 MLM 20894 b

1    partnering with a public community college district to
2    provide career and occupational education courses that
3    lead to industry certifications.
4        (5) A description of specific program outcomes and
5    goals and metrics to be used by the program to determine
6    success.
7        (6) An assurance that all instructional staff hold an
8    educator license valid for the high school grades issued
9    under Article 21B of this Code.
10        (7) Any other requirements adopted by rule by the State
11    Board.
12    (c) Eligible applicants shall apply for approval of a high
13school diploma program for adult learners to the State
14Superintendent on forms prescribed by the State
15Superintendent.
16        (1) Initial approval shall be for a period not to
17    exceed 2 school years.
18        (2) Renewal of approval shall be for a period not to
19    exceed 4 school years and shall be contingent upon at least
20    specific documented outcomes of student progression,
21    graduation rates, and earning of industry-recognized
22    credentials.
23        (3) Program approval may be given only if the State
24    Superintendent determines that the eligible applicant has
25    met the requirements of subsection (b) of this Section and
26    any rules adopted by the State Board.

 

 

HB2527- 4 -LRB100 10670 MLM 20894 b

1        (4) Notwithstanding anything in this Code to the
2    contrary, a non-profit eligible applicant shall provide
3    the following to the State Superintendent:
4            (A) documentation that the non-profit entity will
5        fulfill the requirements of subsection (b) of this
6        Section;
7            (B) evidence that the non-profit entity has the
8        capacity to fulfill the requirements of this Section;
9            (C) a description of the coordination and
10        oversight that the eligible entity will provide in the
11        administration of the program by the non-profit
12        entity;
13            (D) evidence that the non-profit entity has a
14        history of providing services to adults 18 years of age
15        or older whose educational and training opportunities
16        have been limited by educational disadvantages,
17        disabilities, and challenges.
18        Funding for the purposes of this paragraph (4) is
19    subject to appropriation, private funding, or other
20    funding sources the non-profit entity secures.
 
21    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
22becoming law.