SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that more students can get ahead academically while maintaining strong instructional standards, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4239, which would expand access to high school-level coursework for seventh and eighth grade students.
“Students learn at different paces, and our policies should reflect that,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure ensures that motivated middle school students have clear, equitable access to high school coursework, without unnecessary barriers, while maintaining the high standards families expect.”
House Bill 4239 would clarify that middle school students may enroll in high school courses offered by the high school they would attend, so long as the course is taught by a properly licensed educator and can be taken at the student’s current school.
Under current law, school boards may allow seventh and eighth grade students to enroll in high school courses under certain conditions. Additionally the legislation would clarify and expand one of those pathways by ensuring students can take eligible high school courses at their current school location if the course is offered by the high school they would attend and is taught by a teacher holding the appropriate professional educator license.
“This is about removing confusion for schools and opening doors for students,” said Ellman. “By providing more clarity, we are helping districts confidently offer more opportunities that challenge students and support their long-term success.”
House Bill 4239 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
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