IL HB4411: SCH CD-COMPUTER SCIENCE REQ

In one paragraph

This bill mandates computer science course reporting and requires students to complete such a course in grades 7-12 for graduation starting in 2028, fulfilling certain graduation requirements.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

If you operate a school in Illinois, you must ensure students complete a computer science course by 2029 or face potential graduation issues.

What this means

Illinois HB4411 mandates that students entering 9th grade starting in the 2028-2029 school year complete a computer science and artificial intelligence course in any of grades 7-12 as a prerequisite for a high school diploma. The course can also fulfill certain high school graduation requirements. The bill requires data reporting on computer science courses specifically for schools maintaining any of grades K-8, affecting school boards and educators. The State Board is required to create guidelines for school districts regarding the computer science course requirement and will make the reported data publicly available. Additionally, the State Board shall create an introductory content area endorsement for teaching computer science in grades 5 through 12. This legislation aims to enhance computer science education across the state. Notably, the requirement does not apply to students transferring from out of state after their 11th grade year.

Key provisions

1. 1School boards must report data on K-8 computer science courses starting 2027-2028.
2. 2State Board to create guidelines for school districts regarding the computer science course requirement.
3. 3State Board to create an endorsement for teaching introductory computer science courses in grades 5-12.
4. 4Students entering 9th grade starting 2028-2029 must complete a computer science and AI course in any of grades 7-12 as a prerequisite for a high school diploma.
5. 5The course can be taken in grades 7-12 and counts toward certain graduation requirements.
6. 6Transferring students after 11th grade are exempt from the computer science requirement.
7. 7Schools can enter cooperative agreements for resource sharing in computer science education.
8. 8State Board will make reported data publicly available.

Compliance checklist

• Report data on K-8 computer science courses Who: School boards Deadline: By the end of the 2027-2028 school year Penalty: Potential non-compliance issues with state education requirements
• Ensure students complete a computer science course Who: High schools Deadline: By the end of the 2028-2029 school year Penalty: Students may not graduate without completing the requirement

Latest legislative action

Apr 15, 2026. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Maura Hirschauer

Full analysis

Sponsors