Bill > SB0308

This bill amends the existing law regarding concurrent enrollment courses for accelerated foreign language students, establishing the Utah Language Bridge Program with several key provisions. The bill defines new terms such as "blended learning delivery model" (which involves both online and in-person instruction), and introduces specific qualifications for instructors, requiring them to have at least a master's degree and demonstrate advanced-high language proficiency on standardized exams. The University of Utah is tasked with partnering with state universities to develop concurrent enrollment foreign language courses that are age-appropriate, count toward foreign language degrees, and can be delivered through in-person or blended learning models. The bill also adds provisions for what happens if a state university cannot provide a qualified instructor in its service area, allowing local educational agencies (LEAs) to partner with institutions outside their area to provide upper-division language courses. Additionally, the legislation ensures that the Legislature will continue to increase funding for these courses proportional to the weighted pupil unit increase and mandates that these upper-division courses count toward foreign language degrees. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to enhance and standardize foreign language education opportunities for accelerated students.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0308.html