Bill
SB 4026
Starting 2028-2029, Illinois high schools must require 2 years of foreign language (including ASL) for graduation, via coursework or proficiency, to earn a diploma.
SB4026 (104th General Assembly) – Summary
Purpose and overall intent
- The bill amends the Illinois School Code to modify high school graduation requirements related to foreign language study.
- Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, it requires that high schools offer 2 years of foreign-language course credit for certain students and outlines alternative paths to meet that requirement.
- The changes aim to ensure students demonstrate foreign language proficiency or completion of two years of non-English instruction in a language other than English, as part of the diploma prerequisites.
Key provisions and changes
1) Graduation requirements – current framework (through 2027-2028)
- For students entering 9th grade in certain years (as currently specified in the statute), graduation prerequisites include:
- Four years of language arts
- Two years of writing-intensive courses
- Three years of mathematics (Algebra I, geometry, and a third option, potentially AP CS)
- Two years of science
- Two years of social studies (with civics emphasized; civics content and service learning)
- One year chosen from: music, art, foreign language (including ASL), vocational ed, or forensic speech
- Optional: some flexibility on coordinating with other requirements through writing-intensive courses and civics.
2) Graduation requirements – future framework (beginning 2024-2025 and continuing)
- The bill explicitly codifies parallel tracks for two sets of graduations timelines:
- e-5: Beginning with the 2021-2022 wave, and continuing, the essential structure remains similar but tightens sequencing and adds potential credits toward other requirements.
- e-10: Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, the diploma prerequisite adds a concrete foreign language requirement: 2 years of foreign language coursework as a prerequisite to graduation.
3) 2-year foreign language requirement (new/expanded)
- Starting in 2028-2029, students entering 9th grade must complete 2 years of foreign language coursework.
- Foreign language may include American Sign Language (ASL).
- A student may satisfy the 2-year foreign language requirement by:
- (i) Passing a standardized language proficiency test in a language other than English at the level required for the State Seal of Biliteracy, or
- (ii) Presenting an official transcript showing completion of 2 years of high school coursework where instruction was in a language other than English.
- A high school must offer 2 years of foreign language credit under this subsection to any student who meets either above condition.
4) Alternative and continuing options
- The bill preserves the option for students to meet various requirements through a mix of courses (e.g., writing-intensive, civics, financial literacy elements, computer science as math-equivalent credit in certain circumstances).
- It recognizes dual pathways: students who demonstrate proficiency or who have completed relevant coursework in a non-English language can fulfill the foreign language requirement without additional traditional language study.
- The State Board of Education is given authority to develop standards for writing-intensive coursework, and districts may utilize private funding to support civics education.
5) Implementation and exceptions
- Several provisions specify transitional rules and exemptions, including:
- Certain clauses and exclusions for pupils entering specific grades in previous years.
- Provisions regarding students with disabilities and individualized education programs (IEPs).
- The act acknowledges possible disaster-related waivers and allows the State Board to adjust requirements during emergencies.
Who is affected
- Public high schools (districts) across Illinois, with implications for:
- 9th-grade students beginning in 2028-2029 and later
- Administrators and school boards implementing graduation requirements
- Students who have or will take foreign language study, ASL, or non-English language instruction
- Students pursuing AP Computer Science as a potential math credit equivalent (where applicable)
- Civics/financial literacy program implementation and funding decisions
Procedural and timeline notes
- Introduced February 6, 2026; assigned to Education; multiple rule and committee deadlines noted.
- Core trigger: 2028-2029 school year for the 2-year foreign language requirement.
- State Board of Education authority to adopt related rules; potential adjustments under emergency/disaster conditions.
In summary, SB4026 would establish a mandatory two-year foreign language (including ASL) requirement as a diploma prerequisite starting with freshmen entering 9th grade in 2028-2029, with compliance options tied to proficiency testing or verified non-English language instruction. It also codifies ongoing graduation requirements and preserves flexibility in course sequencing, civics and financial literacy, and math credit substitutions in specific circumstances.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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