IL HR1034

Urges the Illinois State Board of Education to share findings from its October 25, 2022 literacy summit and develop a comprehensive literacy plan through collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders

Cites that 50% of Illinois third graders met English language arts standards on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, down from 60% pre-pandemic in 2019

Notes that 38% of Illinois fourth graders scored below basic reading proficiency on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress

References research showing students not proficient in reading by third grade are four times more likely to not finish high school, and six times more likely if from low-income families

Calls for prioritizing the closure of literacy opportunity gaps among demographic groups and aligning early childhood programs, curriculum, and educator training to Illinois standards