Bill Text: IL HB4418 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires course content in civics education to include a comparative study and discussion of certain political ideologies, including communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to the founding of the United States. Sets forth requirements concerning the content. Effective immediately.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-02-18 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee [HB4418 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-HB4418-Introduced.html

---

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2021 and 2022 HB4418 Introduced , by Rep. Chris Miller SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
105 ILCS 5/27-3.10
105 ILCS 5/27-22 from Ch. 122, par. 27-22
Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. Requires course content in civics education to include a comparative study and discussion of certain political ideologies, including communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to the founding of the United States. Sets forth requirements concerning the content. Effective immediately.
LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
STATE MANDATES ACT MAY REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT MAY APPLY
A BILL FOR
HB4418 LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
AN ACT concerning education.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Sections
27-3.10 and 27-22 as follows:
(105 ILCS 5/27-3.10)
Sec. 27-3.10. Elementary school civics course of study. In
addition to the instruction required to be provided under
Section 27-3 of this Code, every public elementary school
shall include in its 6th, 7th, or 8th grade curriculum,
beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, at least one
semester of civics education, which shall help young people
acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes
that will prepare them to be competent and responsible
citizens throughout their lives. Civics education course
content shall focus on government institutions, the discussion
of current and societal issues, service learning, and
simulations of the democratic process. Civics education course
content shall include a comparative study and discussion of
certain political ideologies, including communism and
totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom
and democracy that are essential to the founding of the United
States. The comparative study and discussion shall be

HB4418 - 2 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
accurate, relevant, and accessible to promote the
understanding of such political ideologies. Civics education
course content shall include the use of oral history resources
from diverse individuals, including those individuals who (i)
demonstrate civic-minded qualities, (ii) are victims of the
political ideologies of communism and totalitarianism, and
(iii) are able to compare the political ideologies of
communism and totalitarianism with the political ideology of
the United States. Civics education in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade
shall be in accordance with Illinois Learning Standards for
social science. Additionally, school districts may consult
with civics education stakeholders, deemed appropriate by the
State Board of Education, with regard to civics education
curriculum for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. School districts may
utilize private funding available for the purposes of offering
civics education.
(Source: P.A. 101-254, eff. 7-1-20.)
(105 ILCS 5/27-22) (from Ch. 122, par. 27-22)
(Text of Section from P.A. 101-654, Article 50, Section
50-5)
Sec. 27-22. Required high school courses.
(a) (Blank).
(b) (Blank).
(c) (Blank).
(d) (Blank).

HB4418 - 3 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
(e) Through the 2023-2024 school year, as a prerequisite
to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the
9th grade must, in addition to other course requirements,
successfully complete all of the following courses:
(1) Four years of language arts.
(2) Two years of writing intensive courses, one of
which must be English and the other of which may be English
or any other subject. When applicable, writing-intensive
courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of other
graduation requirements.
(3) Three years of mathematics, one of which must be
Algebra I, one of which must include geometry content, and
one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science
course. A mathematics course that includes geometry
content may be offered as an integrated, applied,
interdisciplinary, or career and technical education
course that prepares a student for a career readiness
path.
(4) Two years of science.
(5) Two years of social studies, of which at least one
year must be history of the United States or a combination
of history of the United States and American government
and, beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the
2016-2017 school year and each school year thereafter, at
least one semester must be civics, which shall help young
people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and

HB4418 - 4 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and
responsible citizens throughout their lives. Civics course
content shall focus on government institutions, the
discussion of current and controversial issues, service
learning, and simulations of the democratic process.
Civics course content shall include a comparative study
and discussion of certain political ideologies, including
communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the
principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to
the founding of the United States. The comparative study
and discussion shall be accurate, relevant, and accessible
to promote the understanding of such political ideologies.
Civics course content shall include the use of oral
history resources from diverse individuals, including
those individuals who (i) demonstrate civic-minded
qualities, (ii) are victims of the political ideologies of
communism and totalitarianism, and (iii) are able to
compare the political ideologies of communism and
totalitarianism with the political ideology of the United
States. School districts may utilize private funding
available for the purposes of offering civics education.
(6) One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C)
foreign language, which shall be deemed to include
American Sign Language, or (D) vocational education.
(e-5) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, as a
prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil

HB4418 - 5 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other course
requirements, successfully complete all of the following
courses:
(1) Four years of language arts.
(2) Two years of writing intensive courses, one of
which must be English and the other of which may be English
or any other subject. If applicable, writing-intensive
courses may be counted toward the fulfillment of other
graduation requirements.
(3) Three years of mathematics, one of which must be
Algebra I, one of which must include geometry content, and
one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science
course. A mathematics course that includes geometry
content may be offered as an integrated, applied,
interdisciplinary, or career and technical education
course that prepares a student for a career readiness
path.
(4) Two years of laboratory science.
(5) Two years of social studies, of which at least one
year must be history of the United States or a combination
of history of the United States and American government
and at least one semester must be civics, which shall help
young people acquire and learn to use the skills,
knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be
competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives.
Civics course content shall focus on government

HB4418 - 6 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
institutions, the discussion of current and controversial
issues, service learning, and simulations of the
democratic process. Civics course content shall include a
comparative study and discussion of certain political
ideologies, including communism and totalitarianism, that
conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy that
are essential to the founding of the United States. The
comparative study and discussion shall be accurate,
relevant, and accessible to promote the understanding of
such political ideologies. Civics course content shall
include the use of oral history resources from diverse
individuals, including those individuals who (i)
demonstrate civic-minded qualities, (ii) are victims of
the political ideologies of communism and totalitarianism,
and (iii) are able to compare the political ideologies of
communism and totalitarianism with the political ideology
of the United States. School districts may utilize private
funding available for the purposes of offering civics
education.
(6) One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C)
foreign language, which shall be deemed to include
American Sign Language, or (D) vocational education.
(e-10) Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, as a
prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil
entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other course
requirements, successfully complete 2 years of foreign

HB4418 - 7 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
language courses, which may include American Sign Language. A
pupil may choose a third year of foreign language to satisfy
the requirement under paragraph (6) of subsection (e-5).
(f) The State Board of Education shall develop and inform
school districts of standards for writing-intensive
coursework.
(f-5) If a school district offers an Advanced Placement
computer science course to high school students, then the
school board must designate that course as equivalent to a
high school mathematics course and must denote on the
student's transcript that the Advanced Placement computer
science course qualifies as a mathematics-based, quantitative
course for students in accordance with subdivision (3) of
subsection (e) of this Section.
(g) This amendatory Act of 1983 does not apply to pupils
entering the 9th grade in 1983-1984 school year and prior
school years or to students with disabilities whose course of
study is determined by an individualized education program.
This amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly does not
apply to pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2004-2005 school
year or a prior school year or to students with disabilities
whose course of study is determined by an individualized
education program.
Subsection (e-5) does not apply to pupils entering the 9th
grade in the 2023-2024 school year or a prior school year or to
students with disabilities whose course of study is determined

HB4418 - 8 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
by an individualized education program. Subsection (e-10) does
not apply to pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2027-2028
school year or a prior school year or to students with
disabilities whose course of study is determined by an
individualized education program.
(h) The provisions of this Section are subject to the
provisions of Section 27-22.05 of this Code and the
Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act.
(i) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to modify
the requirements of this Section for any students enrolled in
grades 9 through 12 if the Governor has declared a disaster due
to a public health emergency pursuant to Section 7 of the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.
(Source: P.A. 100-443, eff. 8-25-17; 101-464, eff. 1-1-20;
101-643, eff. 6-18-20; 101-654, Article 50, Section 50-5, eff.
3-8-21.)
(Text of Section from P.A. 101-654, Article 60, Section
60-5)
Sec. 27-22. Required high school courses.
(a) (Blank).
(b) (Blank).
(c) (Blank).
(d) (Blank).
(e) As a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma,
each pupil entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other

HB4418 - 9 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
course requirements, successfully complete all of the
following courses:
(1) Four years of language arts.
(2) Two years of writing intensive courses, one of
which must be English and the other of which may be English
or any other subject. When applicable, writing-intensive
courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of other
graduation requirements.
(3) Three years of mathematics, one of which must be
Algebra I, one of which must include geometry content, and
one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science
course. A mathematics course that includes geometry
content may be offered as an integrated, applied,
interdisciplinary, or career and technical education
course that prepares a student for a career readiness
path.
(3.5) For pupils entering the 9th grade in the
2022-2023 school year and each school year thereafter, one
year of a course that includes intensive instruction in
computer literacy, which may be English, social studies,
or any other subject and which may be counted toward the
fulfillment of other graduation requirements.
(4) Two years of science.
(5) Two years of social studies, of which at least one
year must be history of the United States or a combination
of history of the United States and American government

HB4418 - 10 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
and, beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the
2016-2017 school year and each school year thereafter, at
least one semester must be civics, which shall help young
people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and
attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and
responsible citizens throughout their lives. Civics course
content shall focus on government institutions, the
discussion of current and controversial issues, service
learning, and simulations of the democratic process.
Civics course content shall include a comparative study
and discussion of certain political ideologies, including
communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the
principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to
the founding of the United States. The comparative study
and discussion shall be accurate, relevant, and accessible
to promote the understanding of such political ideologies.
Civics course content shall include the use of oral
history resources from diverse individuals, including
those individuals who (i) demonstrate civic-minded
qualities, (ii) are victims of the political ideologies of
communism and totalitarianism, and (iii) are able to
compare the political ideologies of communism and
totalitarianism with the political ideology of the United
States. School districts may utilize private funding
available for the purposes of offering civics education.
(6) One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C)

HB4418 - 11 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
foreign language, which shall be deemed to include
American Sign Language, or (D) vocational education.
(f) The State Board of Education shall develop and inform
school districts of standards for writing-intensive
coursework.
(f-5) If a school district offers an Advanced Placement
computer science course to high school students, then the
school board must designate that course as equivalent to a
high school mathematics course and must denote on the
student's transcript that the Advanced Placement computer
science course qualifies as a mathematics-based, quantitative
course for students in accordance with subdivision (3) of
subsection (e) of this Section.
(g) This amendatory Act of 1983 does not apply to pupils
entering the 9th grade in 1983-1984 school year and prior
school years or to students with disabilities whose course of
study is determined by an individualized education program.
This amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly does not
apply to pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2004-2005 school
year or a prior school year or to students with disabilities
whose course of study is determined by an individualized
education program.
This amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly does not
apply to pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2021-2022 school
year or a prior school year or to students with disabilities
whose course of study is determined by an individualized

HB4418 - 12 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
education program.
(h) The provisions of this Section are subject to the
provisions of Section 27-22.05 of this Code and the
Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act.
(i) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to modify
the requirements of this Section for any students enrolled in
grades 9 through 12 if the Governor has declared a disaster due
to a public health emergency pursuant to Section 7 of the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.
(Source: P.A. 100-443, eff. 8-25-17; 101-464, eff. 1-1-20;
101-643, eff. 6-18-20; 101-654, Article 60, Section 60-5, eff.
3-8-21.)
(Text of Section from P.A. 102-366)
Sec. 27-22. Required high school courses.
(a) (Blank).
(b) (Blank).
(c) (Blank).
(d) (Blank).
(e) As a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma,
each pupil entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other
course requirements, successfully complete all of the
following courses:
(1) Four years of language arts.
(2) Two years of writing intensive courses, one of
which must be English and the other of which may be English

HB4418 - 13 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
or any other subject. When applicable, writing-intensive
courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of other
graduation requirements.
(3) Three years of mathematics, one of which must be
Algebra I, one of which must include geometry content, and
one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science
course. A mathematics course that includes geometry
content may be offered as an integrated, applied,
interdisciplinary, or career and technical education
course that prepares a student for a career readiness
path.
(4) Two years of science.
(5) Two years of social studies, of which at least one
year must be history of the United States or a combination
of history of the United States and American government
and, beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the
2016-2017 school year and each school year thereafter, at
least one semester must be civics, which shall help young
people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and
attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and
responsible citizens throughout their lives. Civics course
content shall focus on government institutions, the
discussion of current and controversial issues, service
learning, and simulations of the democratic process.
Civics course content shall include a comparative study
and discussion of certain political ideologies, including

HB4418 - 14 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the
principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to
the founding of the United States. The comparative study
and discussion shall be accurate, relevant, and accessible
to promote the understanding of such political ideologies.
Civics course content shall include the use of oral
history resources from diverse individuals, including
those individuals who (i) demonstrate civic-minded
qualities, (ii) are victims of the political ideologies of
communism and totalitarianism, and (iii) are able to
compare the political ideologies of communism and
totalitarianism with the political ideology of the United
States. School districts may utilize private funding
available for the purposes of offering civics education.
Beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the
2021-2022 school year and each school year thereafter, one
semester, or part of one semester, may include a financial
literacy course.
(6) One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C)
foreign language, which shall be deemed to include
American Sign Language, or (D) vocational education.
(f) The State Board of Education shall develop and inform
school districts of standards for writing-intensive
coursework.
(f-5) If a school district offers an Advanced Placement
computer science course to high school students, then the

HB4418 - 15 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
school board must designate that course as equivalent to a
high school mathematics course and must denote on the
student's transcript that the Advanced Placement computer
science course qualifies as a mathematics-based, quantitative
course for students in accordance with subdivision (3) of
subsection (e) of this Section.
(g) This amendatory Act of 1983 does not apply to pupils
entering the 9th grade in 1983-1984 school year and prior
school years or to students with disabilities whose course of
study is determined by an individualized education program.
This amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly does not
apply to pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2004-2005 school
year or a prior school year or to students with disabilities
whose course of study is determined by an individualized
education program.
(h) The provisions of this Section are subject to the
provisions of Section 27-22.05 of this Code and the
Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act.
(i) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to modify
the requirements of this Section for any students enrolled in
grades 9 through 12 if the Governor has declared a disaster due
to a public health emergency pursuant to Section 7 of the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.
(Source: P.A. 101-464, eff. 1-1-20; 101-643, eff. 6-18-20;
102-366, eff. 8-13-21.)

HB4418 - 16 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
(Text of Section from P.A. 102-551)
Sec. 27-22. Required high school courses.
(a) (Blank).
(b) (Blank).
(c) (Blank).
(d) (Blank).
(e) As a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma,
each pupil entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other
course requirements, successfully complete all of the
following courses:
(1) Four years of language arts.
(2) Two years of writing intensive courses, one of
which must be English and the other of which may be English
or any other subject. When applicable, writing-intensive
courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of other
graduation requirements.
(3) Three years of mathematics, one of which must be
Algebra I, one of which must include geometry content, and
one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science
course. A mathematics course that includes geometry
content may be offered as an integrated, applied,
interdisciplinary, or career and technical education
course that prepares a student for a career readiness
path.
(4) Two years of science.
(5) Two years of social studies, of which at least one

HB4418 - 17 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
year must be history of the United States or a combination
of history of the United States and American government
and, beginning with pupils entering the 9th grade in the
2016-2017 school year and each school year thereafter, at
least one semester must be civics, which shall help young
people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and
attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and
responsible citizens throughout their lives. Civics course
content shall focus on government institutions, the
discussion of current and controversial issues, service
learning, and simulations of the democratic process.
Civics course content shall include a comparative study
and discussion of certain political ideologies, including
communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the
principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to
the founding of the United States. The comparative study
and discussion shall be accurate, relevant, and accessible
to promote the understanding of such political ideologies.
Civics course content shall include the use of oral
history resources from diverse individuals, including
those individuals who (i) demonstrate civic-minded
qualities, (ii) are victims of the political ideologies of
communism and totalitarianism, and (iii) are able to
compare the political ideologies of communism and
totalitarianism with the political ideology of the United
States. School districts may utilize private funding

HB4418 - 18 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
available for the purposes of offering civics education.
(6) One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C)
foreign language, which shall be deemed to include
American Sign Language, (D) vocational education, or (E)
forensic speech (speech and debate). A forensic speech
course used to satisfy the course requirement under
subdivision (1) may not be used to satisfy the course
requirement under this subdivision (6).
(f) The State Board of Education shall develop and inform
school districts of standards for writing-intensive
coursework.
(f-5) If a school district offers an Advanced Placement
computer science course to high school students, then the
school board must designate that course as equivalent to a
high school mathematics course and must denote on the
student's transcript that the Advanced Placement computer
science course qualifies as a mathematics-based, quantitative
course for students in accordance with subdivision (3) of
subsection (e) of this Section.
(g) This amendatory Act of 1983 does not apply to pupils
entering the 9th grade in 1983-1984 school year and prior
school years or to students with disabilities whose course of
study is determined by an individualized education program.
This amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly does not
apply to pupils entering the 9th grade in the 2004-2005 school
year or a prior school year or to students with disabilities

HB4418 - 19 - LRB102 22324 CMG 31461 b
whose course of study is determined by an individualized
education program.
(h) The provisions of this Section are subject to the
provisions of Section 27-22.05 of this Code and the
Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act.
(i) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to modify
the requirements of this Section for any students enrolled in
grades 9 through 12 if the Governor has declared a disaster due
to a public health emergency pursuant to Section 7 of the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.
(Source: P.A. 101-464, eff. 1-1-20; 101-643, eff. 6-18-20;
102-551, eff. 1-1-22.)
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
becoming law.