SB1212 - Course Equity Act Summary

• Creates a Course Equity Program administered by the State Board of Education allowing any public or nonpublic school student in Illinois to enroll in approved online courses if they meet prerequisite requirements.

• Establishes a graduated funding structure that maximizes access for low-income students and school districts, with charges based on each district's funding adequacy percentage (full cost for districts above 100% adequacy, reduced amounts for those below).

• Requires Course Providers to obtain Board authorization through a review process, maintain teacher Professional Educator Licenses, align courses with Illinois Learning Standards and quality benchmarks, and submit annual data on enrollment, outcomes, and student demographics.

• Mandates school districts recognize completed courses on student transcripts, notify students and parents of program availability, and prohibits charges to students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

• Amends the Public Community College Act to allow students enrolled in dual credit courses through the Program to be classified as Illinois residents for tuition purposes.