Mt. Vernon, IL – State Representative Dave Severin recently hosted dozens of 116th district first through fourth grade students for a special night of celebration at the Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo. Severin hosted the event as the culmination of his annual summer reading club. This year’s theme was “Oceans of Possibilities”.
“I was so proud to host dozens of school kids and their families for a special pool party at the awesome Mount Vernon Aquatic Zoo to celebrate the accomplishment of students reading 8 books this summer,” Severin said. “We had a great time giving kids a reward for continuing to keep their reading skills sharp during their summer vacation. We will definitely do this again next year!”
Severin was also joined by Mount Vernon Mayor John Lewis, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard, and Mt. Vernon Chief of Police Robert Brands.
Rep. Severin currently serves as the House Republican head of the Literacy Improves Future Endeavors working group. The working group has introduced a substantial package of legislation designed to improve literacy outcomes for school students in Illinois. You can learn more about the LIFE Working Group’s legislative initiatives below.
The members of the LIFE working group unveiled a sweeping legislative package that includes the following bills.
HB 4070 (Severin) – Requires ISBE to develop a comprehensive State literacy plan that includes, at a minimum, the following:
- Developing class size goals for grade K-6 classrooms
- Developing a comprehensive reading teacher content area test
- Establishing a grant program for districts to hire reading and literacy specialists and coaches
- Establishing a grant program for districts to provide bonuses to teachers that receive the reading teacher endorsement on their current license.
HB 4067 (Swanson) – Provide that professional development providers may offer opportunities on reading/literacy instruction.
HR 256 (Swanson)- Establishes May 7 through May 13 as “Read with Your Kids” Week referencing the Dolly Parton “Imagination Library”.
HB 4069 (Friess)- Creates a Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Program as an alternative pathway to licensure and establishes foreign language endorsements for those fluent in the foreign language to teach foreign language courses.
HB 4068 (Schmidt) – Extends the sunset date for additional return to service for retired teachers.
HB 1213 (Caulkins) – Creates scholarship program for teachers to get master’s degree in order to increase dual credit courses.
HB 1297 (Elik) – Creates TRS optional credit for private school teachers.
HB 4066 (Weaver) – Creates the Parent Advisory Committee within ISBE to study and make recommendations on proposed teaching and learning standards o Requires school boards to have policy in place to allow parents/guardians to review curricula and learning material.