Plan requiring school vendors follow statewide literacy standards heads to Pritzker's desk

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk would require school vendors and learning partners to comply with the state's new comprehensive literacy plan.

Lawmakers and advocates say vendors responsible for English language arts improvement plans should abide by the Literacy and Justice for All Act.

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Illinois bill requiring school vendors follow statewide literacy standards heads to Senate

The Illinois State Board of Education introduced framework for the literacy plan in January. However, this plan would ensure schools are not limited by their vendors.

"Those learning partners who ISBE approves to support our neediest schools with federal funds should be aligned to evidence-based literacy practices," said Jessica Handy, Executive Director of Stand for Children Illinois.

Illinois literacy — House Democrats want vendors responsible for English language arts improvement plans to abide by the historic Literacy and Justice for All Act.

Some Republican lawmakers believe most vendors would already follow the state's law without passing this legislation.

House Bill 4902 passed out of the Senate on a 54-1 vote Wednesday. State representatives previously voted 91-19 to approve the plan on April 16.

"This is the state leading the way with evidence-based practices that we have seen research show us are effective over the last 30 to 40 years," said Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake).