SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Students in Illinois public schools could be required to learn about climate change starting with the 2026 school year.
A plan moving in Springfield calls for instruction on identifying environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on people and communities. The proposal would also require education on solutions to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
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"House Bill 4895 does not create or require a standalone course on climate change and its effects," said Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan). "Rather, it seeks to ensure that all instruction on climate change and potential solutions to the effects of climate change is provided to students."
Johnson explained public schools will have the flexibility to include climate change information in existing science classes.
State lawmakers are considering a bill this spring to help provide transparency on how climate change impacts insurance rates.
The Illinois State Board of Education could prepare multi-disciplinary instructional resources and professional learning opportunities for educators that may be used to meet the requirements. However, that provision of the bill is subject to state appropriations.
The legislation passed out of the Senate Education Committee on a 9-4 vote. House Bill 4895 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.
This plan passed out of the House on a 70-37 vote on April 18.
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