HB4650 Summary

• Expands high school equivalency credentialing options to include evaluation of high school credits, post-secondary credits, foreign diplomas, and completion of competency-based programs, effective January 1, 2018.

• Waives testing fees for homeless youth under 25 who complete an approved high school equivalency preparation course and take the test at a regional superintendent's office or Cook County High School Equivalency Office.

• Eliminates mandatory funding requirement for transitional mathematics instruction at community colleges and establishes collaborative support between school districts and postsecondary institutions for developing transitional math programs.

• Modifies student data collection reporting timelines, with reports due July 1, 2022-2024 and September 1, 2025, then annually by September 1 thereafter.

• Adjusts Illinois Community College Board budget submission deadline to December 15 and removes requirement for State Board recognition certificates for community colleges meeting standards.