SPRINGFIELD – Ensuring middle school students receive equal opportunity to earn high school credits, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring a measure to provide seventh- and eighth-grade students with the option to earn high school credit for high school level courses.

“Students statewide work diligently to achieve success in their academic careers,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “A middle school student, whose course is not taught by a teacher with a certain certification level, may not receive the necessary high school credits to enroll in the next level of their education.”

Under current Illinois law, middle school students are able to receive credit for high school level courses, as long as the course is offered by the high school in the student’s district and the instructor holds a professional educator license and is endorsed for the grade level and content area of the course.

Addressing concerns about middle school students unable to receive necessary high school course credits due to the teacher’s certification level, Ellman’s bill would ensure seventh- and eighth-grade students enrolled these courses receive high school credit.

“This measure supports students’ educational journey by focusing on their academic abilities, rather than measuring their progress based on their teacher’s certification,” said Ellman. “Students who are working toward the next part of their education deserve the resources to make that possible.”

House Bill 3039 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.

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