IL HB2451

Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, students entering 9th grade may satisfy the 2-year foreign language graduation requirement by completing either 2 years of foreign language courses (including American Sign Language) OR at least 2 years of career-focused coursework authorized by the State Board of Education for a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act

Illinois public universities (University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, Governors State, Illinois State, Northeastern Illinois, Northern Illinois, and Western Illinois) may not require foreign language coursework for admission of Illinois public high school graduates unless they also accept a College and Career Pathway Endorsement as an alternative

The bill amends the School Code and the governing laws for nine Illinois public universities to align high school graduation requirements with university admission requirements regarding foreign language alternatives

Students may still choose a third year of foreign language to satisfy the existing elective requirement that includes options such as music, art, vocational education, or forensic speech