IL SR1078

Approximately half of Illinois high school graduates enrolling in public community colleges require remedial education, and employers report recent graduates lack critical skills for high-demand occupations.

The Illinois Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act establishes a voluntary system for school districts to award college and career pathway endorsements on high school diplomas.

The Act implements four strategies including a Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) framework, competency-based high school graduation requirements, targeted senior-year math instruction to reduce remediation, and college/career pathway endorsements.

The Postsecondary and Career Expectations framework outlines what students should know and actions to take from middle school through 12th grade to select appropriate postsecondary options, prepare for careers, and access financial aid.

The Senate encourages high schools across Illinois to participate in the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Program to address barriers to students' successful transition into college and careers.