Illinois has introduced a new law requiring school vendors and learning partners to comply with the state’s comprehensive literacy plan. This is part of the historic Literacy and Justice for All Act aimed at improving English language arts across schools.
According to lawmakers and advocates, vendors involved in English language arts improvement plans must now adhere to this new legislation. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) presented the framework for this literacy plan in January, aiming to ensure schools aren’t restricted by their vendors’ practices.
Jessica Handy, Executive Director of Stand for Children Illinois, emphasized the importance of alignment with evidence-based literacy practices. She stated, “Those learning partners who ISBE approves to support our neediest schools with federal funds should be aligned to evidence-based literacy practices.”
The law, known as House Bill 4902, was approved by the Senate with a 54-1 vote on May 15, following a 91-19 vote in the House on April 16.
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Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake) highlighted the significance of this legislative move, saying, “This is the state leading the way with evidence-based practices that research over the last 30 to 40 years has shown to be effective.”
