Bill > H3637

This bill aims to enhance Spanish language education in South Carolina's public schools by amending several sections of the state education code to include Spanish as a core academic area. The legislation requires the State Board of Education to establish educational standards for Spanish by December 1, 2026, with implementation beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates that Spanish be incorporated into statewide assessment programs, curriculum standards, and school performance ratings, alongside existing core subjects like mathematics, English/language arts, social studies, and science. The changes reflect a broader goal of preparing students for a globalized economy and a more diverse society by providing comprehensive bilingual and bicultural training from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The bill emphasizes that these modifications are crucial for creating a more unified and competitive workforce that can attract business and industry to South Carolina. Specifically, the amendments require students to develop proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking in both English and Spanish, and ensure that Spanish language skills will be assessed and evaluated similarly to other core academic subjects.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3637&session=126&summary=B