Numerous changes in the school code on garduation requirements. Passed Both Houses 1/11/21
Beginning 2024-25 school year.
e-5) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, as a prerequisite to receiving a  high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9^th grade must, in addition to other course requirements, successfully complete all of the following courses:

(1) Four years of language arts.

(2) Two years of writing intensive courses, one of which must be English and the other of which may be English or any other subject. If applicable, writing-intensive courses maybe counted toward the fulfillment of other graduation requirements

.(3) Three years of mathematics, one of which must be Algebra I, one of which must include geometry content, and one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science course. A mathematics course that includes geometry content may be offered as an integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, or career and technical education course that prepares a student for a career readiness path.

(4) Two years of laboratory science.

(5) Two years of social studies, of which at least one year must be history of the United States or a combination of history of the United States and American government and at least one semester must be civics, which shall help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to become tent and responsible citizens throughout their lives. Civics course content shall focus on government institutions, the discussion of current and controversial issues, service learning, and simulations of the democratic process. School districts may utilize private funding available for the purposes of offering civics education.

(6) One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C) foreign language, which shall be deemed to include American Sign Language, or (D) vocational education.(e-10) Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, as  a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, each pupil entering the 9^th grade must, in addition to other course requirements, successfully complete 2 years of foreign language courses, which may include American Sign Language. A pupil may choose a third year of foreign language to satisfy the requirement under paragraph (6) of subsection (e-5)

Entire Executive Order can be accessed using this Link.

The following is an excerpt from the Executive Order 2020-47

Section 1. All public and nonpublic schools in Illinois serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students may open for in-person educational purposes following the completion of the regular 2019-2020 school term. All public and nonpublic schools must follow IDPH and ISBE guidance during Phase 4 and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors, including, but not limited to the following public health guidelines:

1. Limiting the number of people in one space to fifty or fewer.
2. Ensuring compliance with social distancing requirements to the greatest extent possible. For purposes of this Executive Order, social distancing includes maintaining at least six-foot distance from other individuals and discouraging physical contact between individuals.
3. Requiring symptom screenings and temperature checks or requiring individuals to self-certify that they are free of COVID-19 symptoms before entering school buildings.
4. Ensuring appropriate hygienic practices, including washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), discouraging the sharing of personal items, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
5. Requiring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment by students, staff, and visitors, including the use of face coverings by individuals who are over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering. Schools must provide face coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain a minimum six-foot social distance at all times and, to the extent possible, make face coverings available for all students.

Section 2. This Executive Order supersedes any contrary provision of any other prior Executive Order. Any provisions that are not contrary to those in this Executive Order shall remain in full force and effect.

2020-21 ISBE Back to School Handbook

School Counselor Ratios of Students to School Counselors for the nation:

https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/home/Ratios18-19.pdf