HB5566 Summary

• Creates the Illinois P-20 Council to coordinate education policy from preschool through graduate school and avoid fragmentation across educational systems.

• Council membership includes the Governor (chair), 4 General Assembly members, 6 at-large gubernatorial appointees, 5 business representatives, 6 professional educators, 2 school administrators, and representatives from community colleges, independent colleges, and public universities, plus 9 ex-officio members.

• Council duties include recommending policies to align high school curriculum with postsecondary education, reduce remedial coursework, improve graduation rates, and coordinate education strategies across all stakeholders.

• Authorizes creation of working groups on topics including teacher preparation and recruitment, early childhood education, college and workforce readiness, and tuition and financial aid affordability.

• Council receives state funding through the Office of the Governor and coordinates with the Illinois Education Research Council for research and data collection activities.