SPRINGFIELD — Illinois high school students will have greater flexibility to pursue career and technical education under a new law championed by State Senator Willie Preston, which expands pathways to graduation and workforce readiness.
The law allows approved career and technical education courses to count toward high school diploma requirements as alternatives to foreign language courses, providing students with more options to align their education with their career goals.
“For too long, we’ve treated success like it follows a single path,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The reality is that our students have different talents different ambitions and different plans for their future. This law recognizes that and gives young people more opportunities to build skills that can lead directly to good paying jobs and rewarding careers.”
Current law requires Illinois high school students to complete two years of foreign language instruction, including American Sign Language, to earn a diploma. Under the new law, Illinois State Board of Education-approved career and technical education courses may also satisfy those requirements.
Preston said the measure reflects the growing importance of career and technical education in preparing students for life after high school.
“Whether a student wants to become an electrician, welder, health care professional, entrepreneur or pursue another skilled profession, they deserve access to an education that helps them reach that goal,” Preston said. “By expanding career-focused learning opportunities, we’re investing in our students and strengthening Illinois’ future workforce at the same time.”
Senate Bill 3070 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.
