SCHAUMBURG, IL – The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) is leading the charge in Springfield to enact legislation that would allow high school students to take Career Technical Education (CTE) classes as an alternative to foreign language classes in order to graduate starting in 2027.
Starting with the 2027-28 school year, all high school students in Illinois will be required to take two years of foreign language classes in order to graduate.
TMA is championing legislation, Senate Bill 3070, co-sponsored by Senators Willie Preston (D-Chicago) and Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood), that would allow CTE classes to qualify under the 2-year foreign language requirement, thus students would need to take 2 years of foreign language or CTE classes to graduate.
“With only so many electives beyond the core subjects, the foreign language mandate will limit the availability for students to take CTE classes, like machining and CNC classes,” said TMA lobbyist David Curtin. “Many small and midsized manufacturers, like TMA members, rely on qualified CTE-trained high school graduates to become part of their workforce, and the foreign language mandate will crowd out CTE electives for most students who are planning on pursuing jobs right out of high school and aren’t going the traditional college route. We need to create opportunities that work for all students.”
Classifying CTE classes as an addition to the two-year foreign language mandate expands pathways without lowering standards, aligns education with workforce reality, and helps strengthen local and regional economies.
“Students throughout the State deserve the opportunity to choose the CTE classes they prefer so that they can be job-ready once they graduate,” said Terry Stroh, Director of the Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System. “SB3070 respects the talents and interests of these young people. The vocational education community is calling on leaders from both parties to support SB 3070 which gives students the opportunity to pursue the coursework and a career of their choosing.”
About TMA: Founded in 1925, TMA is an independent trade association whose mission is to partner with small and midsize manufacturers to help protect, promote, and grow their businesses through practical products, programs, services, and solutions. TMA has nearly 900 members representing approximately 39,000 manufacturing employees and more than 27 million square feet of manufacturing plant.