Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Help Prevent Violence Among Elementary Students

Strategic Insights -

Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation that aims to reduce violence among elementary students by introducing anti-violence training and addressing reading and math struggles. The new laws require schools to educate students about conflict resolution, emphasize reading and math instruction during summer school, and promote 60 minutes of reading instruction for struggling students. The legislation is part of a broader effort to improve education and address violence in schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • **Legislation to Prevent Violence:** Governor Quinn signed House Bill 1204, which requires Illinois school districts to educate students in kindergarten through third grade about ways to prevent violence and resolve conflicts peacefully.
  • **Reading and Math Instruction:** House Bill 139 requires school districts to emphasize reading and math during summer school instruction for students who have fallen two grade levels behind in those subjects for two consecutive school years.
  • **Increased Reading Instruction:** House Bill 2397 requires school boards to promote at least 60 minutes of reading instruction in kindergarten through third grade for students who are one or more levels below their grade proficiency.
  • **Timelines:** House Bill 1204 takes effect immediately, while House Bill 139 takes effect on January 1, 2012, and House Bill 2397 takes effect immediately.

Statistics:

  • **Number of Students Affected:** House Bill 1204 aims to educate approximately 500,000 students in kindergarten through third grade.
  • **Number of Schools Impacted:** House Bills 139 and 2397 will impact all public schools in Illinois, with over 2,000 schools serving elementary students.
  • **GPA Achievement:** The legislation aims to improve math and reading instruction for struggling students, helping to close the educational achievement gap.
  • **New Law Enforcement:** The new laws will be enforced by the Illinois Department of Education, in conjunction with local school districts.

Sources:

  • House Bill 1204, AN ACT relating to education - Conflict Resolution Training (quoted in M2 Communications)
  • House Bill 139, AN ACT relating to education - Reading and Math Instruction (quoted in M2 Communications)
  • House Bill 2397, AN ACT relating to education - Reading Requirement (quoted in M2 Communications)
  • M2 PRESSWIRE, "Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Help Prevent Violence Among Elementary Students" (July 11, 2011)