EFFORTS ARE UNDERWAY TO HELP IMPROVE LITERACY AND ADD CLASSES TO ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

THERE’S A BIG PUSH IN THE LEGISLATURE THIS YEAR TO BOOST THE READING AND WRITING SKILLS OF SCHOOLCHILDREN. ONE BILL, FROM REPRESENTATIVE MARY FLOWERS OF CHICAGO, GETS BACK TO THE BASICS BY REQUIRING SCHOOLS TO USE PHONICS TO TEACH READING.

REPRESENTATIVE AMY ELIK OF ALTON IS SUPPORTING LEGISLATION THAT REQUIRES PHONICS BE TAUGHT TO KIDS.

THERE’S ALSO A PROPOSAL REQUIRING HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS TO TAKE A COURSE ON PERSONAL FINANCE. ANOTHER BILL MANDATES A COURSE ON RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND OTHER MENTAL ILLNESSES.