Bill > S2288

This bill, titled "For language opportunity for our kids," aims to enhance educational opportunities for English learners by amending existing laws related to language acquisition programs. Key provisions include requiring school districts to provide detailed information about their English learner programs, including opportunities for native language development, how program effectiveness is measured, and instances of parental withdrawal from programs. It also mandates that districts describe staff training for working with diverse student populations and document English learners' participation in regular and advanced educational programs. Furthermore, the bill introduces definitions for various language acquisition program types, such as "dual language education" and "transitional bilingual education," and outlines requirements for annual student censuses to identify and classify English learners. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive, research-based instructional programs for English learners, including English language acquisition components, and allows districts to choose program models based on student needs and best practices, while also permitting native language development opportunities. The bill also establishes requirements for English language development instruction, teacher qualifications, and parental rights to choose or refuse English learner programs, with provisions for written confirmation of such decisions. It mandates annual statewide assessments of English language proficiency for English learners and requires that assessment results be used to evaluate program efficacy, with aggregated data made publicly available. The bill also introduces a requirement for intensive English learning success plans for students who do not show sufficient progress, developed with parental involvement, and outlines procedures for re-enrollment if a student is still disadvantaged by a lack of English proficiency. Finally, it addresses educator certification and endorsement for those working with English learners, creates an endorsement for dual-language program instruction, and establishes a license for language acquisition program administrators, with specific appointment requirements based on the number of English learners in a district. The bill also introduces a "State Seal of Biliteracy" to recognize high school graduates who achieve academic benchmarks in multiple languages, aiming to encourage language study, certify biliteracy, and prepare students with 21st-century skills.