SB2245 - Literacy and Justice for All Act

• State Board of Education shall adopt a rubric for school districts to evaluate and select evidence-based, culturally inclusive core reading instruction programs addressing phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, oral language, and reading comprehension.

• State Board must develop a comprehensive literacy plan for Illinois and provide evidence-based training opportunities in reading instruction by September 1, 2024, including microcredentials in literacy instruction for professional educator licenses.

• All applicants seeking state licensure after October 1, 2025 in early childhood education, elementary education, reading specialist, special education, and principal positions must take a test in reading foundations assessing phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and methods for English learners and students with disabilities.

• Reading Improvement Block Grant Program funds must prioritize evidence-based curricula, materials, and coaching support for kindergarten through grade 3 teachers when appropriations are below $15,000,000; when at least $15,000,000 is appropriated, funds are available to all eligible districts.

• Professional educator license requirements now mandate completion of coursework in evidence-based reading methods including explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, fluency, oral language, and reading comprehension.