BILL REQ. #:  S-0442.3 

Read first time 01/29/2007.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to instruction in Spanish and Chinese languages; amending RCW 28A.410.025; adding new sections to chapter 28A.630 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A majority of students in Washington do not have the opportunity to study any language other than English until they are in middle school, or more often, in high school. Educational systems of other nations, some of which are much less economically developed than the United States, begin second language study in the early elementary grades. Washington's economy is tied to world trade. To enable Washington citizens to more effectively compete in the world marketplace and develop a greater sense of the world's culture and geography, we should explore ways for our students, at all levels, to be provided the opportunity to develop fluency in a second language.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:
     A Spanish and Chinese language instruction pilot program is created. A maximum of two school districts may participate. Each school district shall provide a sequentially, articulated world language program from elementary through secondary levels that provides instruction in Spanish and a Chinese language. Interested districts shall apply no later than May 15, 2007, to the superintendent of public instruction to participate in the pilot program established by this section. The superintendent shall make a decision no later than June 15, 2007, regarding which school districts may participate in the pilot program. School districts participating in the program must agree to:
     (1) Assure that parents are informed of the availability of the language classes offered as a pilot program; and
     (2) Participate in an evaluation of the program as determined by the superintendent of public instruction.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:
     Beginning in June 2008 and continuing for the life of the pilot program, the superintendent of public instruction shall submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature that summarizes the pilot program and its effectiveness. The report shall also include a recommendation as to whether or not the pilot program should be continued, expanded, or otherwise modified.

Sec. 4   RCW 28A.410.025 and 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.67.010 are each amended to read as follows:
     No person shall be accounted as a qualified teacher within the meaning of the school law who is not the holder of a valid teacher's certificate or permit issued by lawful authority of this state, except that a school district may use noncertificated staff or school volunteers to provide the language instruction in the programs or classes taught in accordance with section 2 of this act. However, the noncertificated staff or volunteers providing the language instruction must: (1) Be able to speak and write the language fluently; and (2) speak English.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.