IL HR0477

Establishes advisory committees led by the State Superintendent of Education, Illinois Community College Board, Board of Higher Education, and Illinois Student Assistance Commission to develop competency-based high school graduation requirements aligned with Illinois Learning Standards, with recommendations due to the General Assembly by February 1, 2016.

Directs agencies to recommend methods for determining student proficiency on identified competencies, including multiple assessment approaches beyond standardized tests, and address acceptance of competency-based diplomas by postsecondary institutions and financial aid programs.

Creates a second advisory committee to develop statewide policies for scaling developmental education programs co-developed by community colleges and feeder high schools for 12th grade students unprepared for college-level instruction to reduce remedial education rates.

Encourages establishment of an intergovernmental agreement by June 30, 2016 to create a professional development program incentivizing high school teachers to earn master's degrees in high-need subject areas to qualify as dual credit course instructors.

Directs the Illinois Pathways Interagency Committee to establish advisory committees addressing career pathway endorsements on high school diplomas, expanded access to these endorsements, postsecondary institution recognition of endorsements, and implementation of grade-level education and career planning standards with recommendations due February 1, 2016.