The purpose of the Advisory Council on Bilingual Education is to advise the State Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education on issues which related to the educational needs of students whose first language is not English. The council consists of 17 members including the Chairperson. Members hold office for a term of three years and are appointed by the State Superintendent. In addition to four regularly scheduled meetings, the chair will call special meetings to address Public Act 97-0915.

Sec. 14C-13. Advisory Council. There is created an Advisory Council on Bilingual Education, consisting of 17 members appointed by the State Superintendent of Education and selected, as nearly as possible, on the basis of experience in or knowledge of the various programs of bilingual education. The Council shall advise the State Superintendent on policy and rules pertaining to bilingual education. The Council shall establish such sub-committees as it deems appropriate to review bilingual education issues including but not limited to certification, finance and special education.

Initial appointees shall serve terms determined by lot as follows: 6 for one year, 6 for 2 years and 5 for 3 years. Successors shall serve 3 year terms. Members annually shall select a chairman from among their number. Members shall receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. (Source: P.A. 87-995)