Illinois Lawmakers Propose Career Tech Class Alternative to Foreign Language

New bill would allow high school students to take career-focused classes instead of foreign language.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Illinois lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow high school students to take career technical education (CTE) classes instead of the current foreign language instruction requirement. The proposed bill, introduced by State Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago, aims to provide the CTE alternative starting in the 2028-2029 school year.

Why it matters

The Technology & Manufacturing Association argues that the existing foreign language mandate set to take effect in 2027 would limit the availability for students to take valuable CTE classes that could better prepare them for technical careers. This proposed change reflects an ongoing debate over the role of foreign language versus career-focused education in high school curricula.

The details

Senate Bill 3070, introduced by State Sen. Willie Preston, would allow high school students in Illinois to substitute career technical education (CTE) classes for the current foreign language instruction requirement. The Technology & Manufacturing Association has advocated for this change, stating that the foreign language mandate would restrict access to CTE courses that could better serve students interested in technical careers.

  • Senate Bill 3070 was introduced in the Illinois legislature in March 2026.
  • The proposed CTE alternative would take effect starting in the 2028-2029 school year.

The players

Willie Preston

A Democratic state senator from Chicago who introduced Senate Bill 3070 to allow high school students to take career technical education classes instead of foreign language.

Technology & Manufacturing Association

An industry group that has advocated for the proposed change, arguing that the existing foreign language mandate would limit students' access to valuable career-focused courses.

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What’s next

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 3070, will now proceed through the Illinois state legislature for consideration and potential passage.

The takeaway

This debate over foreign language versus career-focused education in high schools reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing academic requirements with the need to prepare students for technical careers and the workforce.