BILL REQ. #:  H-4872.3 

READ FIRST TIME 02/01/08.   

     AN ACT Relating to creation of the position of world language supervisor; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that Washington state:
     (a) Has many local jobs that are tied to the global economy in aerospace, agriculture, and software industries;
     (b) Benefits from a thriving tourist trade;
     (c) Can leverage its local diversity to better compete in the global economy through language programs in schools;
     (d) Encourages cultural understanding and tolerance for its citizens; and
     (e) Seeks a world-class education system.
     (2) The legislature further finds that there is a current lack of leadership and commitment at the state level to improve world language instruction so that our students can secure their part in the global community and remain competitive in the world.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The superintendent of public instruction shall assign at least one full-time equivalent staff position within the office of the superintendent of public instruction to serve as the world language supervisor. The world language supervisor shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
     (a) Develop, conduct, and oversee professional development for teachers on grade level expectations, state and national standards, and best practices in instruction for world languages;
     (b) Provide technical assistance to schools in designing elementary and middle school language programs, selecting and designing high quality curriculum, and providing professional development;
     (c) Advise in the development of online world language courses;
     (d) Secure and implement grants, including federal grants, to enhance world language programs;
     (e) Encourage and foster an articulated curriculum for world languages through elementary, secondary, and postsecondary grades;
     (f) Establish and maintain a state database for world language course offerings in schools and school districts;
     (g) Implement memoranda of understanding signed by the superintendent of public instruction, assist with visa applications and education position verifications, and provide orientation for visiting teachers;
     (h) Serve in an advisory capacity on committees or work groups regarding teacher certification, advanced placement programs, and textbook publishing and selection;
     (i) Serve as an education liaison with the business, trade, and economic development communities; and
     (j) Coordinate with existing world language resources at the institutions of higher education.
     (2) Nothing in this section may be construed to relate to the first peoples' languages or to otherwise affect RCW 28A.410.045.