SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán  led a measure through the Senate Education Committee to expand dual language programs in grade schools.

“When young people receive dual language instruction from an early age, they have a much easier time maintaining their literacy of multiple languages throughout their lives, leading them to more economic opportunities or deeper connections to their culture,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “It is important for us to encourage schools to invest in dual language programs, and join many other countries internationally that acknowledge the importance of early learners becoming bilingual.”

Recognizing the importance of dual language education for young people, the Illinois Advisory Council for Bilingual Education, formed in 2023, began to research how to incentivize, improve and expand dual language instruction in schools. After extensive stakeholder engagement, expert consultation, and data collection, the council released a report to the General Assembly in October of 2024 with their recommendations. Their proposals were divided into three buckets – those with high costs to implement, low costs, and those with no prospective cost.

House Bill 3026, led in the House by Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, would adopt statewide guidance for dual language instruction to ensure consistency and quality across the state, develop a recruitment and retention platform to attract potential bilingual educators, and expand the Seal of Biliteracy recognition pathways to promote bilingualism and enhance students’ future opportunities. It would also enhance the Illinois State Board of Education equity continuum by integrating dual language programming into the broader framework of student learning, as well as including the definition of dual language and teaching standards for dual language education in the administrative rules. These changes aim to make dual language instruction more common and consistent throughout the state.

“This bill is designed to empower school districts to grow and improve dual language programs, which is the most effective models for supporting English Learners and promoting academic success for all students,” said Erika Méndez, the director of P-12 Education Policy at the Latino Policy Forum. “Guidance on dual language expansion provides a blueprint for the IL education system to produce a workforce ready for the demands of a global economy and equipping our students with the skills necessary for success in diverse professional environments. By investing in early biliteracy pathways, we’re laying the foundation for higher earning potential and economic growth in our communities.”

House Bill 3026 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.