Lake County Gazette

Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Cahokia Heights) is one of several House Republicans behind a package of eight bills aimed at overhauling and improving Illinois’ educational system.

“The lockdowns that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the development of our youth,” Schmidt said on his website. “The legislation we’ve proposed as a working group will help get kids back on track so they can receive the education they deserve for their future.”

Schmidt is part of the Literacy Improves Future Endeavors working group which also includes Reps. Dave Severin (R-Mount Vernon), Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur), Amy Elik (R-Alton), Travis Weaver (R-Pekin), Dan Swanson (R-Woodhull) and David Friess (R-Red Bud). Among the legislation being proposed by the LIFE working group is House Bill 4068 which was introduced by Schmidt. It seeks to extend the sunset date for the return to service for retired teachers.

HB 4070, filed by Severin, requires the Illinois State Board of Education to create a comprehensive literacy plan that includes class size goals for K-6 classrooms, a reading teacher content area test, and the establishment of a grant program for districts to hire reading and literacy personnel, as well as offer bonuses to teachers that earn the reading teacher endorsement.

Swanson filed HB 4067 to increase professional development opportunities on reading and literacy instruction and HR 256 to establish May 7 through May 13 as “Read with Your Kids” Week.

HB 1213, filed by Caulkins, would create a scholarship program for teachers to get master’s degrees in order to increase dual credit courses, while HB 1297, filed by Elik, would provide TRS-optional credit for private school teachers. Another bill geared toward helping teachers is HB 4069, which was filed by Friess. It would establish a Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Program as an alternative pathway to licensure and establishes foreign language endorsements for those fluent in the foreign language to teach foreign language courses.

Weaver filed HB 4066 to make a Parent Advisory Committee that would provide recommendations on proposed teaching and enable parents to have access to the curriculum and learning materials.