IL HB5981

Amends the Transitional Bilingual Education Article of the School Code to add establishment of approved alternative programs as a stated purpose alongside transitional bilingual education programs.

Defines "approved alternative program" as a full-time program offering required courses in either native language or English for limited English-speaking children, or a part-time program based on educational needs.

Requires approved alternative programs to consist of both a structured English immersion program and a 2-way bilingual education program.

Mandates that parents or legal guardians be given the opportunity to select which available program best meets their child's specific educational needs.

Defines structured English immersion as instruction primarily in English adjusted to student proficiency levels with optional native language support, and 2-way bilingual education as instruction in both languages with mixed English-background and other-language-background students.