Advocacy and Influence

Launched in 2007, PD365's Whole Child Initiative is an effort to change the conversation about education from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the long-term development and success of children. IL ASCD supports this premise In 2012, PD365 officers and members met with the Illinois Legislature to promote the national organization (ASCD) initiative on Whole Child Education.

The Illinois Legislature declared March to be “Whole Child Month.” Members of PD365 advocacy task force continue to keep the names of ASCD and PD365 in the minds of Illinois legislators as the go-to organization for learning. Organization members helped to promote the passage of the Whole Child Resolution in Illinois in both houses on March 9, 2012. As the years progress, our members continue to keep in touch with legislators and believe that we have had a say in helping to promote educational issues in our state. Copies of these resolutions can be found below:

Whole Child Senate Resolution SR 0545 

Whole Child House Resolution HR 0781 

An updated copy of the Whole Child Resolution (SR0061) passed the house in March 2025.  

Whole Child Senate Resolution SR0061

Johnson declares March 2026 as Whole Child Month

Legislation We Are Following

Disclaimer **We are not endorsing nor disapproving the legislation posted**

House Bill 5319 and Senate Bill 4034 Katz. are advancing in the Illinois legislature, seeking to authorize community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in high-demand, workforce-focused fields like nursing and cybersecurity. The legislation, specifically HB5319, passed the House Executive Committee on March 25, 2026, aimed at increasing access to affordable, four-year education

House Bill 4257—Schmidt.

Amends the Compulsory Attendance Article of the School Code. Provides that, beginning with the

2028-2029 school year, any pupil enrolled in the public schools who is of compulsory school age but

who has not yet attended kindergarten at a public, private, or parochial school shall be required to

satisfactorily complete kindergarten before advancing to first grade. Effective immediately. House