SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State lawmakers have approved a massive reform bill designed to address racism and inequities in Illinois’ education system.
The legislation approaches the problem from several angles…such as Kindergarten readiness and a lack of advanced placement classes in poorer school districts.
Sen. Kimberly Lightford said lawmakers also want to attract and retain more minority teachers, especially male teachers.
“In year one, we’re looking to specifically, through a set of measures, ensure African-American male teachers are created, and are in place as soon as possible,” Lightford said.
The bill also eventually requires two years of foreign language and two years of lab science to graduate from high school…and creates Freedom School programs to offer students additional opportunities to learn about leadership and Civil Rights.
Rep. C-D Davidsmeyer said he supports improving education opportunities for students, but he wonders how the state is going to pay for this.
“This is more spending from the State of Illinois. It’s going to have to cut current programs, or we’ll just go further in debt. And, it’s a local property tax increase,” Davidsmeyer said.
Supporters said the reforms are about equity and making sure minority students have the same access to a good education that all other kids do.
It’s now up to Gov. Pritzker to sign the reforms into law.
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