Illinois § 34-18.80

§ 34-18.80.

College and career readiness systems. (a) Subject to subsection (c) of this Section, by July 1, 2024, the school district shall adopt and commence implementation of a postsecondary and career expectations framework for each of grades 6 through 12 that substantially aligns to the model framework adopted by State agencies pursuant to Section 15 of the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. The local postsecondary and career expectations framework shall be available on a prominent location on the school district's website. The career exploration and career development activities offered in alignment with the postsecondary and career expectations framework shall prepare students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 to make informed plans and decisions about their future education and career goals, including possible participation in a career and technical education pathway, by providing students with opportunities to explore a wide variety of high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career fields. (b) Subject to subsection (c) of this Section, the school district shall become an eligible school district and award College and Career Pathway Endorsements pursuant to the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act and pursuant to the following schedule: (1) for the high school graduating class of 2026, the school district shall offer College and Career Pathway Endorsements in at least one endorsement area; (2) for the high school graduating class of 2028, the school district shall offer College and Career Pathway Endorsements in at least 2 endorsement areas; and (3) for the high school graduating class of 2030, the school district shall offer College and Career Pathway Endorsements in at least 3 endorsement areas. (c) The board may, by action of the board, opt out of implementation of all or any part of this Section through adoption of a set of findings that considers the following: (1) the school district's current systems for college and career readiness; (2) the school district's cost of implementation balanced against the potential benefits to students and families through improved postsecondary education and career outcomes; (3) the willingness and capacity of local businesses to partner with the school district for successful implementation of pathways other than education; (4) the availability of a statewide database of participating local business partners, as provided under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act, for the purpose of career readiness and the accessibility of those work experiences and apprenticeships listed in the database to the students of the school district; and (5) the availability of properly licensed teachers or teachers meeting faculty credential standards for dual credit courses to instruct in the program required for the endorsement areas. The school district must report its board findings and decision on implementation to the State Board of Education. If the school district elects to opt out of implementation, the district may reverse its decision in whole or in part at any time. (d) The State Board of Education may adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section. (Source: P.A. 102-917, eff. 1-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)