BILL REQ. #:  S-0177.1 

Read first time 01/28/09.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to instruction in Spanish and Chinese languages; creating new sections; providing an expiration date; 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   (1) 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 in elementary schools that provides instruction in Spanish and a Chinese language. Interested districts shall apply no later than May 15, 2009, 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, 2009, regarding which school districts may participate in the pilot program.
     (2) School districts participating in the program must agree to:
     (a) Assure that parents are informed of the availability of the language classes offered as a pilot program; and
     (b) Participate in an evaluation of the program as determined by the superintendent of public instruction.
     (3) The pilot programs authorized by this section shall constitute an exceptional case under RCW 28A.150.260 and therefore the participating school districts shall be permitted to employ people of unusual competence, but without certification, to provide the language instruction for the pilot program under the general supervision of a certificated instructional staff person.
     (4) Beginning in June 2010 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.
     (5) This section expires July 1, 2011.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   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.