HB 2523

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 2523

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Creating the position of world language supervisor in the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Schual-Berke, Hasegawa, Roberts, Goodman, Kenney, Santos, Chase and Quall.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to assign a full-time staff to serve as world language supervisor and describe the supervisor's duties.

Hearing Date: 1/18/08

Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).

Background:

Instruction in world languages is not a state high school graduation requirement in Washington, although students seeking admission to one of the state's public four year institutions of higher education must take two years of the same foreign language, Native American language, or American Sign language. Washington's Essential Academic Learning Requirements do not cover world languages. However, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has endorsed, for voluntary use, standards for world language instruction adopted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The OSPI does not currently have a staff position dedicated to world languages.

Summary of Bill:

The OSPI must assign at least one full-time staff as the world language supervisor. The supervisor's duties are to:

develop and conduct professional development for teachers;
provide technical assistance to schools and advise in the development of online courses;
create a clearinghouse of information and materials for world language instruction;
secure and implement grants and implement memoranda of understanding with foreign ministries of education;
foster an articulated curriculum through elementary, secondary, and postsecondary grades;
establish and maintain a database on course offerings in public schools; and
serve as an education liaison and advisor.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2008.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.