SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will require school vendors and learning partners to comply with the state's new comprehensive literacy plan.

Illinois literacy

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

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

The Illinois State Board of Education introduced framework for the literacy plan in January. This law will 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.

House bill 4902 passed out of the Senate on a 54-1 vote on May 15. State representatives voted 91-19 to approved 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). 

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