HB 3109

Abstract

Amends the Transitional Bilingual Education Article of the School Code. Adds as a purpose of the Article the establishment of approved alternative programs in public schools. Provides that an approved alternative program means a full-time program of instruction (1) in all of those courses or subjects that a child is required by law to receive and that are required by the child's school district; (2) that consists of a structured English immersion program in which school districts may immerse qualified children into regular education courses of mathematics, English, and science if it is determined through proficiency assessments that the children have achieved sufficient English proficiency; and (3) that does not require children in the immersion program to be taught by teachers with a Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language endorsement. Makes other changes.