SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois will soon expand access to dual language education programs thanks to a new state law.

The legislation calls for the State Board of Education to adopt comprehensive guidance for school districts to establish or expand dual language education by December 2026.

This law also requires ISBE to establish an optional recognition pathway to recognize bi literacy for school districts to use before high school by July 2027. The change will include milestones for bilingual students in Pre-K, fifth grade, and eighth grade to encourage early learning development.

"These provisions stem from recommendations from the Illinois Advisory on Bilingual Education report," said Sen. Graciela Guzman (D-Chicago). "Most notably, are the no-cost recommendations that would a

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