The Inclusive Curriculum Law, which took effect on July 1, 2020, mandates that all Illinois public schools include the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in the teaching of Illinois and United States history. The ICACI (Inclusive Curriculum Advisory Council of Illinois), which includes PHIMC’s Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (The Alliance), Equality Illinois, and The Legacy Project, is developing tools and collating resources to support educators and school administrators with the implementation process.
Quick Links
History behind Illinois’ Inclusive Curriculum Law
Resources to support the implementation of Illinois’ Inclusive Curriculum Law
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ICACI Vision for Implementation
The Inclusive Curriculum Law offers public school students a more accurate, complete, and equitable picture of American society and provides LGBTQ+ students the opportunity to see themselves represented in history.
Parents, teachers, and administrators will:
- Identify and comprehend age-appropriate content.
- Be provided with quality resources, such as professional development, content, and other educational tools as a means to feel comfortable and confident in implementing inclusive curricula.
- Support educators to implement an inclusive curriculum with fidelity; this can include bringing professional development to the district, knowing when and how resources can be accessed, and other strategies to lay the groundwork for an inclusive classroom and school.
Impact on Students
Inclusion of LGBTQ+ history in the curriculum:- Instills in students the intrinsic worth of all individuals and the value of a diverse society.
- Encourages positive educational outcomes and success of all students.
- Provides LGBTQ+ students an opportunity to see themselves reflected in the classroom.
- Promotes the creation of a safe and affirming school climate, including lower rates of bullying, harassment, and intimidation.
Nationally, more than 75% of LGBTQ+ students in schools with an inclusive curriculum said their peers were accepting of LGBTQ+ people, compared to just 39.6% of those in schools without an inclusive curriculum. Additionally, LGBTQ+ students in schools with an inclusive curriculum are less likely to skip school and are less likely to say they might not graduate high school — according to GLSEN’s 2017 National School Climate Survey.
Past Newsletters:
Inclusive Curriculum Newsletter Issue #1
Sent May 7, 2020
Inclusive Curriculum Newsletter Issue #2
Sent October 20, 2020
