HB 4186

Abstract

Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In the provisions concerning required high school courses, allows a pupil to take one year of a foreign language course (rather than 2 years), if, upon completing one year of foreign language coursework, the pupil, the pupil's parent or guardian, and the school counselor meet to discuss the pupil's postsecondary education or career goals, and, at that meeting, it is determined (i) that the pupil will take one year of career and technical education coursework, (ii) that a second year of foreign language coursework will limit the pupil's access to career and technical education coursework, and (iii) that the pupil does not need a second year of foreign language coursework to meet the pupil's postsecondary education and career goals. Provides that, following this meeting, the pupil's parent or guardian may opt the pupil out of a second year of foreign language coursework in a form and manner that is prescribed by the State Board of Education. Amends various Acts relating to the governance of public universities in this State. Provides that a university may not require a public high school student to have completed 2 years of foreign language coursework while in high school if it was determined in high school that the student was not required to and the student's parent or guardian opted the student out. Provides that if the student completed only one year of foreign language coursework in high school, the university may require the student to take no less than one year of foreign language coursework while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the university. Effective immediately.