SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill moving forward at the Illinois Capitol will allow agriculture courses to satisfy vocational education requirements for high school students.
Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said students should be able to use their agricultural studies to fulfill graduation requirements. Her bill clarifies that agriculture education, business or any other ag-related course would meet the vocational requirement starting next school year.
"What is always encouraging to me as a teacher is the number of these students who take my class to fulfill those requirements but in the process discover their passion for the industry that feeds, clothes, and fuels us all," said Liz Harris from the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers.
Senate Bill 1605 passed unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee Tuesday afternoon. The measure now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.
"The agriculture industry plays a vital role in our state," Turner said. "We want to encourage students to learn and understand the industry that boosts our economy and creates jobs."
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