HB4956eng 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB4956 Engrossed LRB100 19129 AXK 34392 b

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 21B-48 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/21B-48 new)

Sec. 21B-48. Three-year degree completion program.

(a) Beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year, every public university in this State that offers an educator preparation program must offer to those students enrolled in the educator preparation program a 3-year degree completion program. The program may include, but is not limited to:

(1) the award of advanced placement credit;

(2) a waiver of degree or credit hour requirements based upon completion of proficiency exams or online programs; or

(3) completion of coursework during summer semesters.

(b) Prior to implementation of the 3-year program, a public university shall submit to the Board of Higher Education the curriculum and requirements of its 3-year program for approval.

(c) Upon completion of the 3-year program, a student shall receive a bachelor's degree and qualify for entitlement for licensure, subject to the other requirements of this Article.

(d) The Board of Higher Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the State Board of Education, shall adopt rules to implement this Section.

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