State Representative Dave Severin of Benton has been leading the House Republican Literacy Improves Future Endeavors working group since February.
Since that time, Severin says he and his House GOP colleagues have met several times hearing from educational advocates and interested stakeholders, taking testimony and building a legislative package.
"It's fine group of dedicated public servants that truly care about improving literacy, enhancing educational opportunities for Illinois public school students and addressing the teacher shortages that are plaguing education in our state."
Severin and fellow members of the Literacy Improves Future Endeavors working group unveiled a legislative package that includes the following bills.
HB 4070
– Requires the Illinois State Board of Education to develop a comprehensive State literacy plan that includes, at a minimum, the following:
- Developing class size goals for grade K-6 classrooms
- Developing a comprehensive reading teacher content area test
- Establishing a grant program for districts to hire reading and literacy specialists and coaches
- Establishing a grant program for districts to provide bonuses to teachers that receive the reading teacher endorsement on their current license.
HB 4067 - Allows professional development providers to offer opportunities on reading/literacy instruction.
HR 256 - Establishes May 7 through May 13 as “Read with Your Kids” Week referencing the Dolly Parton “Imagination Library”.
HB 4069
- Creates a Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Program as an alternative pathway to licensure and establishes foreign language endorsements for those fluent in the foreign language to teach foreign language courses.
HB 4068 – Extends the sunset date for additional return to service for retired teachers.
HB 1213 – Creates a scholarship program for teachers to get a master’s degree in order to increase dual credit courses.
HB 4066
- Creates the Parent Advisory Committee within ISBE to study and make recommendations on proposed teaching and learning standards, and requires school boards to have policy in place to allow
parents/guardians to review curricula and learning material.
