IL SB0028

Establishes the Illinois Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education (IHOPE) Program to re-enroll high school dropouts up to age 21 in programs leading to high school diplomas, with grants awarded to educational service regions and school districts based on dropout proportions.

Creates new Section 10-19.05 defining daily pupil attendance calculation, requiring minimum 5 clock hours of school work per day for attendance credit, with specific exceptions for e-learning days, part-time enrollment, in-service training, parent-teacher conferences, and hospitalized/homebound students.

Expands e-learning day programs from pilot districts to all school districts, requiring school boards to hold public hearings and obtain verification from regional offices of education or intermediate service centers instead of State Board approval.

Allows high school dropouts in IHOPE programs to earn credit through college courses, career development experiences, youth apprenticeships, and blended learning programs that count toward daily clock hour requirements.

Updates references throughout the School Code to point to new Section 10-19.05 for daily hour requirements instead of previous sections, including amendments to alternative learning programs, vocational academies, and transportation regulations.