SPRINGFIELD – To address concerns about high caseloads that may hinder the ability of special education teachers to provide individualized care, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel presented a resolution to the Senate Wednesday.

“I know firsthand how hard special education teachers work to support their students’ diverse learning needs,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “When more caseloads are being piled onto educators, reduced effectiveness and burnout is inevitable.” 

Senate Joint Resolution 2 would direct the Illinois State Board of Education and the Professional Review Panel to conduct a study on the impact of implementing maximum caseloads for special education teachers. The resolution requests ISBE to submit a report of their findings to the General Assembly and governor by Dec. 31, 2026.

“We need to look into the impact of setting fair caseload limits so we can ensure students receive the attention they deserve while not over-burdening our teachers,” said Loughran Cappel.

Senate Joint Resolution 2 was adopted by the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois students’ learning, engagement and test scores could be on track to improve significantly under a proposal supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel seeking to limit students’ use of cellphones during classroom instruction.

“Cellphones have continued to be a major distraction for students in classrooms,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Eliminating cellphone usage in schools will foster a more productive and engaging learning environment.”

Almost three-quarters of high school teachers recently polled by Pew Research said cellphone distraction is a major problem in their classes. At least 10 states currently have laws, executive orders or state education department policies restricting student use of cellphones during class.

Through Senate Bill 2474, school districts would be required to adopt a set of policies ensuring that students do not inappropriately use cellphones during instructional time. Each school district’s policy would need to allow for exceptions in cases such as emergencies and for technology used by students with disabilities. The measure would provide local flexibility by allowing school boards to implement the policy in a manner that best suits their communities.

“This legislation takes social media out of the classroom so students can focus on what’s important: learning,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), chief sponsor of the bill. “This measure sets a standard to limit cellphone use during class time but prioritizes flexibility, letting schools take the lead in deciding how it should be implemented in their local community.”

Senate Bill 2427 passed the Senate Wednesday with bipartisan support.

SPRINGFIELD — To address unnecessary and burdensome Illinois School Code mandates, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel collaborated with colleagues and multiple statewide education stakeholders to create Senate Bill 1740.

“There are many mandates in the school code that are outdated and need to be removed or revised,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Removing the outdated mandates will allow educators to adapt to students’ needs, reduce administrative burdens and allows school districts more control.”

Senate Bill 1740 initiates the reduction of unnecessary school code mandates agreed upon by statewide educational stakeholders. The bill would create the School Code Mandate Reduction Council, comprised of eight members of the General Assembly and one member from each of the 12 statewide educational organizations, to identify and recommend the removal of mandates that align with the state's goal of providing high-quality education tailored to each student.

SPRINGFIELD – After acknowledging a gap in early childhood disability advocacy, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel moved legislation through the Senate that ensures stronger representation for young children with disabilities.

“Early intervention can be critical for children with disabilities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Our preschoolers with disabilities deserve an expert on their side of the table who will be a dedicated voice for them.”

Senate Bill 1555 adds the secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood as a member of the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities. The role of the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, which is housed under the Illinois State Board of Education, is to be a protective body, advising the governor, legislature and ISBE on current issues relating to the education of children with disabilities.