Topic

Compliant

Abduction Education . . . . . . . . . 5

◻

American Patriotism & Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

◻

Anabolic Steroid Abuse

Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

◻

Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

◻

Asian American History . . . . . . . 9

◻

Black History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

◻

Career and Technical

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

◻

Civics Education . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

◻

Commemorative Holidays .. 13-14

◻

Computer Literacy . . . . . . . . . . 15

◻

Conservation of Natural

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

◻

Consumer Education . . . . . . . . 17

◻

Cursive Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

◻

Disabilities: History, People

& Rights Movement . . . . . . . . . 19

◻

Topic

Compliant

Driver Education . . . . . . . . . . 20

◻

Drug & Substance Abuse

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

◻

Health Education . . . . . . 22 – 23

◻

High School Elective Course .. 24

◻

Holocaust/Genocide . . . . . . . 25

◻

Internet Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

◻

Language Arts, Reading &

Other Comm. Skills . . . . . . . . 27

◻

Library Media Programs . . . . 28

◻

Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

◻

Media Literacy . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

◻

Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

◻

Native American History . . . . 32

◻

Physical Education . . . . . . . . . 33

◻

Safety Education . . . . . . . . . . 34

◻

Topic

Compliant

Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

◻

Sexual Abuse Education . . . . 36

◻

Social Studies (including U.S.

History) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

◻

Teen Dating Violence . . . . . . . 38

◻

Traffic Injury Prevention . . . . 39

◻

Transitional Mathematics . . .  40

◻

U.S. History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

◻

Violence Prevention &

Conflict Resolution . . . . . . . . . 42

◻

Women in History . . . . . . . . . 43

◻

World (Foreign) Language . . . 44

◻

◻

​

◻

​

◻

​

◻

​

◻

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Elementary school – not specified

​

High school – not specified

Every public school shall provide instruction, study, and discussion on effective methods by which pupils may recognize the danger of and avoid abduction. 105 ILCS 5/27-105 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. KidSmartz – A child safety program that educates families about preventing abduction and empowers youngsters in Grades K-5 to practice safer behaviors.
2. Missing Children Analysis – Reports and data including a 10-year analysis of attempted abductions. 
3. Publications – Posters, family help guides, checklists, and more, available in English and Spanish.
4. Missing and Exploited Children – Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s webpage dedicated to resources on missing and exploited children. Some resources overlap with those on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website.
5. Child ID App – A smartphone application developed by the FBI to help quickly report a child as missing.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

K-6 (not specified)

​

7-12 (all grade levels)

The following topics shall be taught in all public schools: 

1. American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence; 
2. The Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the state of Illinois; and
3. The proper use and display of the American flag.

This instruction may be taught alongside the curriculum in the one semester of civics education for students in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. 105 ILCS 5/27-510(a) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); 105 ILCS 5/27-505 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(r)(1)

​

In Grades 7 and 8 or their equivalent, not less than one hour of each school week, or an amount of time equal to one hour per school week through the school year, must be devoted to the study of the subjects mentioned in Section 27-510 of this Code. 105 ILCS 5/27-515 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(b)

​

In all high school grades, not less than one hour of each school week or the equivalent must be devoted to the study of Section 27-510. This is a required participation course for all students during the secondary school experience. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(b)(4)

​

No student may receive a certificate of graduation without passing a satisfactory examination upon these subjects, which may be administered remotely. 105 ILCS 5/27-510(a) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

[See also Civics Education]

​

Helpful Resources

1. C-SPAN Classroom – Videos, lesson plans, and other resources.
2. National Archives – Videos, pictures, and primary resources.
3. National Endowment for the Humanities – Full lesson plans with pictures and prompts for different grade levels.
4. United States Courts – Various resources on the constitution and landmark court cases.
5. American Bar Association – Legal FAQs, monthly Supreme Court case lesson plans, and other publications.
6. Civics Renewal Network – Civics resources categorized by topic.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

7-12 &

interscholastic athletes

School districts must provide instruction in relation to the prevention of abuse of anabolic steroids in Grades 7-12 and to  interscholastic athletes. Such instruction shall be included in science, health, drug abuse, physical education, or other appropriate courses of study. The instruction shall emphasize that the use of anabolic steroids presents a serious health hazard to persons who use steroids to enhance athletic performance or physical development. 105 ILCS 5/27-255(d) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide – Database of resources that can be filtered by grade level and implementation type.
2. Tips for Teens – Two-page fact sheet from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
3. FAQ – Summary from the National Institute on Drug Abuse of information on steroids in Q&A format.
4. Steroid Use in Adolescence: Information for School Personnel – Information for parents and school personnel on the implications of steroid use in adolescents.
5. Teens and Steroids: A Dangerous Combo – A short FAQ on the dangers of steroids.
6. Athletes Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids (ATLAS) –  This is a multicomponent school-based drug and alcohol prevention program for male high school athletes.
7. Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise & Nutrition Alternatives (ATHENA) – This is a team-centered, health promotion program for female high school athletes.
8. Federal Efforts to Prevent and Reduce Anabolic Steroid Abuse among Teenagers – A summary of federal efforts to reduce steroid abuse.
9. Performance-enhancing Drugs and Supplements in Women and Girls – A summary of information regarding the effects of performance-enhancing drugs and supplements in women and girls.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary school – grade level not specified

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of art in its elementary schools. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(6)

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes art in its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(7)

Helpful Resources

1. National Gallery of Art – Learning activities, videos, games, and more.
2. Scratch – Combine coding and art to make interactive experiences.
3. The Art Institute of Chicago – Lesson plans on various works of art.
4. Kennedy Center – Resources and lesson plans by grade level.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary and high school – grade level not specified

Every public elementary school and high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American history, including the history of Asian Americans in Illinois and the Midwest, as well as the contributions of Asian Americans toward advancing civil rights from the 19th century onward. 105 ILCS 5/27-540 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

Each school system shall provide history and social sciences courses that include the study of the events of Asian American history. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(r)(10)

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s TEAACH Act Resource Guide – Gives an overview of the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act and resources for teachers.
2. ISBE’s TEAACH Act Resources – Provides additional resources for teachers.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary and high school – grade level not specified

Every public elementary and high school must provide a unit of instruction studying the events of Black history, including the history of the pre-enslavement of Black people from 3,000 BCE to AD 1619, the African slave trade, slavery in America, the study of the reasons why Black people came to be enslaved, the vestiges of slavery in this country, and the study of the American civil rights renaissance. 105 ILCS 5/27-530 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

Each school system shall provide history and social sciences courses that include the study of the events of Black history.

23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(r)(5)

Helpful Resources

1. Howard University – K-12 resources for educators.
2. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – Various resources including a Learning Lab.
3. Library of Congress – Numerous primary sources and other documents.
4. National Endowment for the Humanities – Videos, lesson plans, and other resources.
5. National Park Service – Teaching with Historic Places uses historic places in National Parks and in the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places to enliven history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at each grade level K-12

The educational system shall provide students with opportunities to prepare themselves for entry into the world of work. Every district shall initiate a Career Awareness and Exploration Program that should enable students to make more meaningful and informed career decisions. This program should be available at all grade levels. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(i)

​

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of Career Education – Awareness & Exploration in its elementary schools. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(9)

​

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes Career and Technical Education – Orientation and Preparation in its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education.

23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(8)

​

If the school board of a school district that maintains Grades 9-12 establishes a list of courses from which high school students must elect at least one course to be completed along with other high school graduation requirements, at least one course in career and technical education must be included on such list. 105 ILCS 5/27-320 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s Career Technical Education Webpage – Lesson plans, career guides, reports, and much more.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Resources for teachers as well as students including videos, lesson plans, and games.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

6, 7, or 8

Every public elementary school must provide in its 6th, 7th, or 8th grade curriculum at least one semester of civics education. The course content shall be in accordance with the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Science and shall include discussion on current societal issues, service learning, simulations of the democratic process, and instruction on the method of voting at elections by means of the Australian Ballot system. 105 ILCS 5/27- 510(b) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(13) 

​

In Grades 7 and 8 or their equivalent, not less than one hour of each school week, or an amount of time equal to one hour per school week through the school year, must be devoted to the study of the subjects mentioned in Section 27-510 of this Code. 105 ILCS 5/27-515 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(b)

​

[See also American Patriotism & Government]

^{High school} 

Each secondary school student shall be required to complete one semester in civics, which shall focus on government institutions, the discussion of current and controversial issues, service learning, and simulations of the democratic process. One semester, or part of one semester, may include a financial literacy course. 105 ILCS 5/27-605(e)(5) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391);  23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(b)(5)

​

[See also American Patriotism & Government]

Helpful Resources

1. C-SPAN Classroom – Videos, lesson plans, and other resources.
2. National Archives – Videos, pictures, and primary resources.
3. National Endowment for the Humanities – Full lesson plans with pictures and prompts for different grade levels.
4. United States Courts – Various resources on the Constitution and landmark court cases.
5. American Bar Association – Legal FAQs, monthly Supreme Court case lesson plans, and other publications.
6. Civics Renewal Network – Civics resources categorized by topic.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Not specified

School boards may include instruction relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events on the commemorative holiday or at any other time during the school year and at any point in the curriculum when such instruction may be deemed appropriate. The State Board of Education may prepare and make available to school boards instructional materials relative to commemorated persons, activities, or events which may be used by school boards in conjunction with any instruction provided pursuant to this paragraph.

​

Commemorative holidays are:

1. January 17 (the birthday of Muhammad Ali),
2. January 28 (to be known as Christa McAuliffe Day and observed as a commemoration of space exploration),
3. February 15 (the birthday of Susan B. Anthony),
4. March 29 (Vietnam War Veterans Day),
5. The last Friday in April (Arbor and Bird Day)
6. September 11 (September 11th Day of Remembrance),
7. September 17 (Constitution Day)  

​

​

Cont'd on next slide

Helpful Resources

1. Illinois Inclusive History Calendar (August 2025 – July 2026) – A calendar showing the dates of important events and links to resources to help educators teach them.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Not specified

Commemorative holidays are (cont'd):

9. The school day immediately preceding Veterans Day (Korean War Veterans Day),
10. October 1 (Recycling Day),
11. October 7 (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Remembrance Day),
12. October 9 (Leif Erikson Day),
13. The day immediately after Thanksgiving (Native American Heritage Day),
14. December 7 (Pearl Harbor Veterans Day), and 
15. Any day so appointed by the president or governor. 

​

School boards may establish commemorative holidays whenever in their judgment such action is advisable. 105 ILCS 5/24-2(c) (as renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

City of Chicago School District 299 shall observe March 4 of each year as a commemorative holiday. This holiday shall be known as Mayors' Day, which shall be a day to commemorate and be reminded of the past chief executive officers of the City of Chicago, and in particular the late Mayor Richard J. Daley and the late Mayor Harold Washington. If March 4 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Mayors' Day shall be observed on the following Monday. 105 ILCS 5/24-2(d)

​

Helpful Resources

1. Illinois Inclusive History Calendar (August 2025 – July 2026) – A calendar showing the dates of important events and links to resources to help educators teach them.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at each grade level K-12 (computer literacy skills)

All school districts shall ensure that students receive developmentally appropriate opportunities to gain computer literacy skills embedded in the district's curriculum at each grade level. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.79; 10-20.74

​

The Computer Literacy Knowledge and Skill Continuum guidance document provides a scope and sequence to support district implementation (non-regulatory).

Helpful Resources

1. Computer Literacy Knowledge and Skill Development Continuum – ISBE resource intended to support districts to ensure students receive developmentally appropriate opportunities to gain computer literacy skills at each grade level.
2. Code.org – Resources for students and educators focusing on computer science.
3. Computer Science Field Guide – Open source materials for high school age students.
4. 21Things4Students – Computer science materials for Grades 5-9.
5. Computer Science Unplugged – Printable lesson plans for very young ages that can be used without computers.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary and high school – grade level not specified

In every public school there shall be instruction, study, and discussion of current problems and needs in the conservation of natural resources, including, but not limited to:

1. Air pollution,
2. Water pollution,
3. Waste reduction and recycling,
4. The effects of excessive use of pesticides,
5. Preservation of wilderness areas,
6. Forest management,
7. Protection of wildlife, and
8. Humane care of domestic animals.

105 ILCS 5/27-260(a) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of Conservation of Natural Resources in its elementary schools. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(11) 

​

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes Conservation of Natural Resources in its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(12)

​

Coming Soon: Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, every public school shall provide instruction on climate change, which shall include, but not be limited to, identifying the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on individuals and communities and evaluating solutions for addressing and mitigating the impact of climate change and shall be in alignment with state learning standards, as appropriate. 105 ILCS 5/27-260(b) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency – A one-stop-shop for resources for multiple grade levels on various topics.
2. Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Educational programs and materials along with training in their use.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Pupils in the public schools in Grades 9-12 shall be taught and shall be required to study courses that include instruction in the area of consumer education, to include at least the topics outlined in Section 27-305 of the School Code. 105 ILCS 5/27-305 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes consumer education in its high school course offerings.

23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(11). Each high school student shall be required to take consumer education for 50 minutes per day for a period of nine weeks or the equivalent in any of the Grades 9-12. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(k)(3); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(b)(3) 

​

The superintendent of each unit or high school district shall maintain evidence showing that each student has received adequate instruction in consumer education prior to the completion of Grade 12. Consumer education may be included in course content of other courses, or it may be taught as a separate required course. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(k)(2)

Helpful Resources

1. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) – A one-stop-shop of resources for teachers and students that also has links to consumer education resources created by other government agencies.
2. Teacher Resources – An ISBE-compiled list of teacher resources on consumer education.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary school – grade level not specified; must be completed by Grade 5

Elementary schools must offer at least one unit of instruction in cursive writing. School districts shall, by policy, determine at what grade level or levels students are to be offered cursive writing, provided that such instruction must be offered before students complete Grade 5. 105 ILCS 5/27-315 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. Teaching Elementary School Students to Be Effective Writers – Short section on handwriting strategies.
2. Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario – A summary of research for teachers and resources to use.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Not specified

A school district must provide instruction on disability history, people with disabilities, and the disability rights movement. Instruction may be included in those courses that the school district chooses, and the school board shall determine the minimum amount of instructional time required under this Section. 105 ILCS 5/27-545(a) & (c) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. National Park Service – A multipart lesson on the disability rights movement.
2. Emerging America – Lesson plans for all grade ranges on the history of the disability rights movement.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

1-8 – each grade level

​

Instruction shall be given in safety education in each of the Grades 1-8, equivalent to one class period each week.

105 ILCS 5/27-815 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

High school – grade level not specified

​

Any school district which maintains Grades 9-12 shall offer a driver education course in any such school which it operates. 105 ILCS 5/27-815 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); 23 Ill. Admin Code 1.440(a)(13)

​

Its curriculum shall include content dealing with Chapters 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the rules adopted pursuant to those chapters insofar as they pertain to the operation of motor vehicles, and the portions of the Litter Control Act relating to the operation of motor vehicles. 105 ILCS 5/27-815 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

The course of instruction given in Grades 10-12 shall include an emphasis on the development of knowledge, attitudes, habits, and skills necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles, including motorcycles insofar as they can be taught in the classroom, and instruction on distracted driving as a major traffic safety issue. Other course content considerations apply. 105 ILCS 5/27-815 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

A driver education course shall consist of a minimum of 30 clock hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of six clock hours of individual behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual control car on public roadways taught by a driver education instructor endorsed by the State Board of Education. 105 ILCS 5/27-815 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

Additional requirements for course content, instructor qualifications, and driver education vehicle safety and features found at 625 ILCS 5/ (1-103; 3-617; 6-419; 13-101) and 23 Ill. Admin Code Part 252.

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s Driver Education Standards – A full overview of the standards required for driver’s education.
2. Illinois Secretary of State – Has links to several helpful driving and safety publications including the Illinois Rules of the Road.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at each grade level K-12

Every public school maintaining any of the Grades K-4 shall include in its curriculum age and developmentally appropriate instruction, study, and discussion of effective methods for the prevention and avoidance of drugs and the dangers of opioid and substance abuse. 105 ILCS 5/27-255(a) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(12). The required instruction can be included in the courses of study regularly taught provided, however, that such instruction must be given every year to all pupils in Grades K-4. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education.

​

School districts shall provide age and developmentally appropriate classroom instruction on alcohol and drug use and abuse for students in Grades 5-12. The instruction, which shall include matters relating to both the physical and legal effects and ramifications of drug and substance abuse, shall be integrated into existing curricula. 105 ILCS 5/27-255(b)

​

The curriculum in Grades 6-12 shall include instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of fentanyl. The instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of fentanyl in Grades 9-12 shall include, at a minimum, all of the components outlined in subsection (c). Students in Grades 9-12 shall be assessed on the instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of fentanyl. 105 ILCS 5/27-255(c)

Helpful Resources

1. Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide – Database of resources that can be filtered by grade level and implementation type.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements & Citations

K-6 – all grade levels

​

Middle school/junior high and high school – not specified

​

A Comprehensive Health Education Program must include, but not be limited to, the major educational areas outlined in Section 27-215 of the School Code (see Health Education 2/2), with applicable Illinois Learning Standards adopted by the State Board of Education guiding the instruction in the program. 105 ILCS 5/27-215 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

1. No specific time requirement for Grades K-6; however, health education must be part of the formal regular instructional program at each grade level.
2. The minimal time allocation must be not less than one semester or equivalent (i.e., at least 18 weeks) during the middle or junior high experience.
3. The minimal time allocation must be not less than one semester or equivalent (i.e., at least 18 weeks) during the secondary school experience. This is a required participation course for all students during the secondary school experience. 
4. If health education is offered with another course on a “block of time” basis in a middle, junior high, or high school, instruction may be offered in any combination of the grade levels in the school, provided that the total time devoted to health education is the equivalent of one full semester’s work. 

23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(n); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(7); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(9); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(b)(1)

Helpful Resources

1. SchoolSafety.gov – A collection of resources that can be sorted and filtered by topic, education level, resource type, and more.
2. Environmental Protection Agency – A collection of resources or various topics for different grade levels.
3. Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Instruction Resource Guide – Database of resources that can be filtered by grade level and implementation type.
4. Sexual Health – ISBE's webpage on sexual health, including a link to the Illinois Learning Standards.

Summary of Requirements & Citations

The Comprehensive Health Education Program shall include, but not be limited to, the following major educational areas consistent with the applicable Illinois Learning Standards:

1. Human ecology, health, growth, development, personal health habits, and nutrition;
2. The emotional, psychological, physiological, hygienic, and social responsibilities of family life, including evidence-based and medically accurate information regarding sexual abstinence (opt-out allowed);
3. Prevention and control of disease, including instruction in Grades 6-12 on the prevention, transmission, and spread of AIDS (opt-out allowed);
4. Age and developmentally appropriate awareness and prevention education in Grades preK-12 on sexual abuse, consistent with Section 10-23.13 of the School Code, abuse during pregnancy, and assault;
5. Public health, environmental health, disaster preparedness education, and safety education;
6. Mental health and illness containing the components described in Section 27-215(a);
7. Dental health;
8. Cancer education that includes the types of cancer, signs and symptoms, risk factors, the importance of early prevention and detection, and information on where to get help and treatment for cancer; and
9. Age and developmentally appropriate consent education.

105 ILCS 5/27-215 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Other health instruction requirements:

​

1. Training on how to properly administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use an automated external defibrillator shall be included in curriculum in all secondary schools in this state. This training must be in accordance with standards of the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or another nationally recognized certifying organization. 105 ILCS 5/27-250 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391) (opt-out allowed)
2. In Grades 9-12, instruction, study, and discussion on the dangers of allergies from information provided by the Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This instruction, study, and discussion must include, at a minimum, recognizing the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis; the steps to take to prevent exposure to allergens; and safe emergency epinephrine administration.

105 ILCS 5/27-245 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Option for 1-year elective credit requirement in high school

As a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9th grade must, in addition to other course requirements, successfully complete one year chosen from:

• Music,
• Art,
• Foreign language, which shall be deemed to include American Sign Language,
• Vocational education, or 
• Forensic speech (speech and debate). A forensic speech course used to satisfy the graduation requirement for four years of language arts may not be used to satisfy this graduation requirement. 

105 ILCS 5/27-605(e)(6) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. Music – See related slide in this document.
2. Art – See related slide in this document.
3. World Language – See related slide in this document.
4. Vocational Education – See related slide in this document.
5. National Speech & Debate Association – Resources on how to start a speech/debate program, competition recordings, and more.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary and high school – grade level not specified

Every public elementary and high school must provide a unit of instruction studying the events of the Nazi atrocities of 1933-45, a period in world history known as the Holocaust. To reinforce that lesson, such curriculum shall include an additional unit of instruction studying other acts of genocide across the globe, which shall include, but not be limited to:

1. The Native American genocide in North America;
2. The Armenian Genocide; 
3. The Famine-Genocide in Ukraine; and
4. More recent atrocities in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Sudan. 

105 ILCS 5/27-525(a) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

​

Each school system shall provide history and social sciences courses that include the study of that period in world history known as the Holocaust. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(r)(4)

Helpful Resources

1. Resources for Teaching About the Holocaust and Genocide – An ISBE resource guide developed with contribution by the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and the Simon Wiesenthal Center. The guide is intended to assist educators in fulfilling the state’s mandate to teach about the Holocaust and other genocides and encourage reflection on our shared moral and civic responsibilities to confront hatred and prevent future atrocities.
2. Illinois Holocaust Museum | Chicagoland Museum – The museum offers online programs and teaching trunks that can be checked out. It also provides grants and scholarships for educators and their students to visit the museum. Programming available for Grades K-12.
3. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – A collection of various resources including those specifically for educators.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

​

3-12 – each grade level

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May be provided in �K-2

A school district must incorporate into the school curriculum a component on internet safety to be taught at least once each school year to students in Grades 3-12. The age-appropriate curriculum may begin with students in kindergarten. 105 ILCS 5/27-410 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

The school board shall determine the scope and duration of this unit of instruction. The age-appropriate unit of instruction may be incorporated into the current courses of study regularly taught in the district's schools. Id.  

Coming Soon: Beginning in SY 2027-28, Section 27-410 is repealed and replaced by Section 27-405. Section 27-405 requires every public school, beginning with the 2027-28 school year, to adopt an age and developmentally appropriate curriculum for online safety instruction to be taught at least once each school year to students in Grades 3-8. The school board shall determine the scope and duration of this unit of instruction, which may be incorporated into the current courses of study regularly taught in the district's schools, as determined by the school board. Recommended topics and additional requirements for that unit of instruction are outlined in subsections (b) and (d), respectively. 105 ILCS 5/27-405 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Section 27-405 further requires every public school, beginning with the 2027-28 school year, to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on media literacy and internet safety for students in Grades 9-12, which shall include the topics outlined in subsection (c) and meet the requirements of subsection (d). 105 ILCS 5/27-405 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. Internet Safety – ISBE’s webpage dedicated to internet safety. Contains several resources available for use.
2. FBI-SOS – Teaches students in Grades 3-8 how to navigate the web safely. Available in English or Spanish.
3. NetSmartz – Provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children be safer online with the goal of helping children to become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline.
4. Interland – Interland is an adventure-packed online game that makes learning about digital safety and citizenship interactive and fun — just like the internet itself. Here, kids will help their fellow Internauts combat badly behaved hackers, phishers, oversharers, and bullies by practicing the skills they need to be good digital citizens.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary school – grade level not specified

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K-3 (mandatory reading opportunities)

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of language arts, reading, and other communication skills in its elementary schools. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(1)

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Each school board shall promote 60 minutes of minimum reading opportunities daily for students in Grades K-3 whose reading level is one grade level or lower than their current grade level according to current learning standards and the school district. 105 ILCS 5/10-20.53

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes language arts in its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(1)

Helpful Resources

1. 2024 Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan – Additional resources can be found on the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan webpage.
2. PBS English Language Arts – Resources that can be sorted by grade level and resource type.
3. AdLit.org – Resources and a digital community for secondary literacy teachers.
4. Reading Rockets – Provides resources and a digital community for elementary and middle-school literacy teachers.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Not specified

Each school district shall provide a program of library media services for the students in each of its schools that meets the requirements outlined in 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(o).

Helpful Resources

1. Library of Congress – Primary resources and information on how to work with primary resources.
2. Digital Public Library of America – Images, texts, videos, sounds, and more.
3. Smithsonian Open Access – Growing collection of items from Smithsonian including 3D models.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary school – grade level not specified

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of mathematics in its elementary schools. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(3)

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes math its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(3)

Helpful Resources

1. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics – Videos, question of the week, and other free resources.
2. ISBE Model Math Curricular Resources – Lesson plans along with scope and sequence aligned to state standards.
3. Khan Academy – One-stop-shop for all things math instruction.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Every high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on “media literacy,” defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate using a variety of objective forms, including, but not limited to, print, visual, audio, interactive, and digital texts. The unit of instruction shall meet the requirements outlined in 105 ILCS 5/27-415 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

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Coming Soon: Beginning in SY 2027-28, Section 27-415 is repealed and replaced by Section 27-405. Section 27-405 requires every public school, beginning with the 2027-28 school year, to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on media literacy and internet safety for students in Grades 9-12, which shall include the topics outlined in subsection (c) and meet the requirements of subsection (d). 105 ILCS 5/27-405 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. National Association for Media Literacy Education – News, information, and a Media Literacy Handbook.
2. Media Literacy Now – Large collection of resources that can be sorted by grade level and resource type.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary school – grade level not specified

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of music in its elementary schools. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(5)

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes music in its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(6)

Helpful Resources

1. Carnegie Hall – Resources for Grades K-5.
2. TeachRock – Includes multiple music genres with lesson plans by grade levels.
3. Save the Music Foundation – Links to apps for making music and resources that can be sorted by grade, subject, and content type.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary and high school – grade level not specified

Every public elementary school and high school social studies course pertaining to American history or government shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of the Native American experience and Native American history within the Midwest and this state since time immemorial. These events shall include and describe: 

1. The contributions of Native Americans in government and the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as the contributions of Native Americans to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of their own nations and of the United States. 
2. Large urban Native American populations in this state, including the history and experiences of contemporary Native Americans living in this state. 
3. In Grades 6-12, the study of the genocide of and discrimination against Native Americans, as well as tribal sovereignty, treaties made between tribal nations and the United States, and the circumstances pertaining to forced Native American relocation. 

105 ILCS 5/27-520 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

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This unit of instruction may be integrated as part of the unit of instruction required under Section 27-525 (Holocaust/Genocide Study) or Section 27-505 (U.S. History) (sections renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. Native American and Indigenous Peoples Resource Guide – A guide of free and paid Native American history resources developed by ISBE in partnership with Tribal representatives and community members.
2. National Museum of the American Indian – A collection of resources and professional development opportunities from Smithsonian.
3. National Indian Education Association – Resources and activities sorted by grade level.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

All grades subject to applicable exemptions

School boards shall provide for the physical education and training of pupils of the schools under their respective control and shall include physical education and training in the courses of study regularly taught therein. The physical education and training course offered in Grades 5-10 may include the health education course required in the Critical Health Problems and Comprehensive Health Education Act. 105 ILCS 5/27-705 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

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A school board may determine the schedule or frequency of physical education courses, provided that all pupils – except for those subject to applicable exemptions – engage in a course of physical education for a minimum of three days per five-day week. 105 ILCS 5/27-710 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(8); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(10)

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A physical education course of study must be part of the regular school curriculum and not extracurricular in nature or organization. 105 ILCS 5/27-725 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

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Appropriate activity related to physical education shall be required as provided for by Section 27-6 of the School Code. The time schedule shall compare favorably with other courses in the curriculum. Safety education, as it relates to the physical education program, should be incorporated. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(p); 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(b)(2) 

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See 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.425 for additional requirements that apply to the provision of physical education instruction.

Helpful Resources

1. OPEN Phys Ed – Curriculum for every grade level along with PD opportunities.
2. SHAPE America – Information on physical education, health education, coaching, and more. Has both free and paid resources.
3. Special Olympics – Resources on how to achieve whole school engagement for physical education.
4. GENYOUth – Small collection of resources including Root4Her aimed at increasing physical education participation among female students.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary school – grade level not specified

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May be provided in all other grades

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of safety education in its elementary schools.

23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(10)

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School boards of public schools and all boards in charge of educational institutions supported wholly or partially by the state may provide instruction in safety education in all grades and include such instruction in the courses of study regularly taught therein. 105 ILCS 5/27-1020 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Safety guides and videos by topic and age. Click the “Road Safety” option and select a topic.
2. Crash Science in the Classroom – Science-based approach to understand car crashes and injuries.
3. Ready Illinois – A large collection of safety resources on different topics.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary school – grade level not specified

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of science in its elementary schools. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(2)

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes science in its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(2)

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s Science Webpage – Learning standards, science resources, professional development opportunities, and much more.
2. NASA – Resources for students and educators from covering Grades K-12.
3. National Geographic – Videos, articles, infographics, and more for all grade levels.
4. National Science Digital Library – Large collection of teacher resources. You need to search a topic before the materials will display.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements & Citations

PreK-12

Each school board must adopt and implement a policy addressing sexual abuse of children that includes an age-appropriate and evidence-informed curriculum for students in preK-12. 105 ILCS 5/10-23.13; 105 ILCS 5/27-215(a)(4) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Guide – Contains a list of accredited Children’s Advocacy Centers and Sexual Assault Centers.
2. NetSmartz – Provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children be safer online with the goal of helping children to become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline.
3. ISBE's Sexual Health Resources – Resources that can be filtered by topic and grade level.
4. Illinois School and Campus Safety Center – Compilation of resources from several different organizations.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary school – grade level not specified

A district must provide a coordinated and supervised instructional offering of social studies  in its elementary schools. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.430(a)(4)

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes U.S. history in its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(4)

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s Social Science Learning Standards Webpage – Learning standards, toolkits, professional development opportunities, and much more.
2. PBS: Social Studies – Resources of different types that can be filtered by grade level.
3. National Endowment for the Humanities – Lesson plans, teachers guides, and media resources.
4. National Council for the Social Studies – Articles and resources that can be filtered by grade level all the way down to pre-K.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

7-12

The school board of each public school district in this state shall adopt a policy on  teen dating violence that, among other things, incorporates age-appropriate education about teen dating violence into new or existing training programs for students in Grades 7-12 and school employees. 105 ILCS 5/27-240 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Information from the CDC on teen dating violence, including “quick facts and stats” and prevention resources.
2. National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Teen dating violence prevention resources for advocates/preventionists and parents/caregivers.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

K-8 

The school board of a district that maintains any of the Grades K-8 must adopt  a policy on traffic injury prevention education, and such education must be made available to students in Grades K-8. 105 ILCS 5/27-110 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. Safe Routes Partnership – Numerous resources on the topic of student safety while traveling to and from school.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

12

School districts serving Grades 9-12 may elect to implement transitional mathematics instruction preparing students for one or more of the postsecondary institution mathematics pathways. The goal of transitional math is to increase college readiness and for students to receive guaranteed placement (upon successful completion) at Illinois community colleges.  

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ISBE and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) jointly published an implementation plan in June 2019. The implementation plan outlines benchmarks that lead to full statewide implementation in all school districts. ISBE, ICCB, and the Illinois Board of Higher Education are also jointly publishing instructional resources.

Transitional mathematics instruction must be delivered by high school faculty with community college collaboration as defined through a partnership agreement. Instruction may be delivered through stand-alone mathematics courses, integrated courses, or competency-based learning systems. 110 ILCS 148/ (148/40; 148/50; 148/55; 148/65) 

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Public school districts serving Grades 9-12 wishing to opt out of offering transitional mathematics instruction must complete the opt-out process through ISBE. More information can be found on ISBE’s Transitional Math webpage.

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s & ICCB’s Implementation Plan – Full summary of how to implement transitional math, along with links to resources.
2. Statewide Transitional Math – Competencies and Policies – Competencies, performance indicators, and policies for transitional mathematics instruction jointly agreed upon by ISBE, ICCB, and the Illinois Board of Higher Education and approved by the Statewide Panel for Transitional Math.
3. ISBE’s Transitional Math Webpage – Additional resources and information on transitional math.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

All public schools (grade levels not specified)

History of the United States shall be taught in all public schools and in all other educational institutions in the state supported or maintained, in whole or in part, by public funds. The teaching of U.S. history must include study of all of the topics outlined in Section 27-505 of the School Code. 105 ILCS 5/27-505 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

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Please be mindful to click on the link above for specific content requirements including, but not limited to: 

• The study of the role and contributions of ethnic groups (including, but not limited to, those specifically enumerated in statute) and the labor unions in the history of this country and this state;
• The study of events related to the forceful removal and illegal deportation of Mexican-American U.S. citizens during the Great Depression;
• The study of the role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this state;
• Contributions made to society by Americans of different faith practices (including, but not limited to, those specifically enumerated in statute); and
• Instruction in the history of Illinois.

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The teaching of history shall also include teaching about Native American nations' sovereignty and self-determination, both historically and in the present day, with a focus on urban Native Americans. 105 ILCS 5/27-505 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391); see additional requirement for a unit of instruction on Native American History.

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The requirement for U.S. history shall be provided through history and social sciences courses. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(r)

7-12

No student may graduate from the eighth grade unless he or she has received such instruction in the history of the United States as outlined in Section 27-505 of the School Code and gives evidence of having a comprehensive knowledge thereof, which may be administered remotely. 105 ILCS 5/27-505(b) (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s Social Science Learning Standards Webpage – Learning standards, toolkits, professional development opportunities, and much more.
2. PBS – U.S. History – Videos, lesson plans, and more that can be filtered by grade level.
3. KidCitizen – Primary sources for teaching history to elementary grades.
4. National Museum of American History – Resources, units, and case studies.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

K-12 – each grade level

School districts shall provide instruction in violence prevention and conflict resolution education for Grades K-12 and may include such instruction in the courses of study regularly taught therein. 105 5/27-115 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

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The State Board of Education and local school boards shall not be required to implement the provisions of this Section unless grants of funds are made available from private sources or from the federal government in amounts sufficient to enable the State Board and local school boards to meet the requirements of this Section. Id.

Helpful Resources

1. CASEL – Resources and implementation guides for social and emotional learning to help avoid or mitigate conflict.
2. Conflict Resolution Education – Resources for teachers and administrators.
3. Western Justice Center – Lesson plans with videos to teach conflict resolution.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every elementary and high school – grade level not specified

Every public elementary and high school must provide a unit of instruction studying the events of the history of women in America. These events shall include not only the contributions made by individual women in government, the arts, sciences, education, and in the economic, cultural, and political development of Illinois and of the United States, but shall also include a study of women's struggles to gain the right to vote and to be treated equally as they strive to earn and occupy positions of merit in our society. 105 ILCS 5/27-535 (renumbered and/or amended by PA 104-0391)

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Each school system shall provide history and social sciences courses that include the study of the events of women's history in America. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.420(r)(6)

Helpful Resources

1. National Women’s History Museum – Lesson plans, photographs, primary resources, and more.
2. Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Museum – Various materials organized by grade level.
3. Library of Congress – A collection of resources and links to additional pages with even more resources.
4. National Endowment for the Humanities – Collection of resources for Women’s History Month with links to additional resources.

Grade Levels

Summary of Requirements

Required at every high school – grade level not specified

Each district must provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes foreign language in its high school course offerings. The time allotment is the option of the local board of education. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(a)(5)

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The description for any foreign language course shall indicate whether the school district will award a State Seal of Biliteracy in accordance with the requirements of 23 Ill. Admin. Code 680 and Section 2-3.159 of the School Code and state the qualifications for receipt of the Seal. 23 Ill. Admin. Code 1.440(d)(2)

Helpful Resources

1. ISBE’s World Language Webpage – The Illinois Learning Standards for World Languages guide learners to develop competence to communicate effectively and interact with cultural competence in multilingual communities at home and around the world.
2. Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy – A public school district or nonpublic school may establish the State Seal of Biliteracy program to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other foreign, or world, languages.