SPRINGFIELD — Illinois high school students may soon have more choices in their classes, thanks to a measure by State Senator Willie Preston that would allow alternatives to foreign language courses.
“Every student’s path looks different,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Some young people want to go straight into the workforce, learn a trade or skill they can actually use after graduation. We should be opening doors for students, not boxing them into a one-size-fits-all approach.”
To ensure that high school students are not penalized for taking career courses instead of foreign language courses, Senate Bill 3070 would allow career or technical courses to count toward a high school diploma as alternatives for foreign language classes.
Currently, Illinois high school students must take two years of foreign language courses, which includes American Sign Language, to receive their diploma. Preston’s measure would add courses that are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education to the list of permitted courses, giving students an alternative to learning a foreign language.
“We have to stop acting like success only looks one way,” said Preston. “Career and technical education gives students real opportunities and real skills they can take with them for the rest of their lives. If a student wants to learn a trade or skill, we should support that.”
Senate Bill 3070 passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.
