Illinois schools will soon receive incentives to expand dual language programs thanks to a new state law.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois schools will soon receive incentives to expand dual language programs thanks to a new state law.

The law calls on the Illinois State Board of Education to adopt a comprehensive plan for school districts outlining steps to establish or expand dual language education in their schools by Dec. 15.

House Bill 3026 also requires Illinois to establish an optional recognition pathway to recognize biliteracy at various levels before high school by July 1, 2027. That change would include milestones for bilingual students in Pre-K, fifth grade and eighth grade to encourage early language development.

"These provisions stem from recommendations from the Illinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education report," said Sen. Graciela Guzman (D-Chicago). "Most notably, are the no-cost recommendations that would allow us to build up dual lingual language in our state in a critical way."

The law requires ISBE's Equity Journey Continuum to integrate dual language education into the broader framework of student learning to ensure it is considered an essential part of educational equity and excellence by July 1, 2029. This includes provisions for dual language teachers, focusing on recruitment, professional development and retention of bilingual educators.

"As someone who grew up in a multilingual household, I can tell you firsthand that learning another language is an incredibly enriching experience," said Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Berwyn). "This bill doesn't just expand dual language programs; it will improve academic achievement, enhance cultural preservation and help our young people become well-rounded individuals with a better understanding of themselves and the world."

Sponsors said the law will only cost Illinois $8,000 to implement.

House Bill 3026 passed out of the Senate on a 43-12 vote and received a 77-35 vote in the House. Republicans did not explain why they voted against the dual language expansion. 

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