Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is considering rule making concerning the seal of biliteracy to expand options for demonstrating English language proficiency to be consistent with section 201 (4)(b)(i)-(v) of HB 1599 (2019). Further, OSPI is considering updating and clarifying the rule to ensure tribal languages, American Sign Language, and languages that may only be communicated orally (not through writing or reading) can be included in the criteria for awarding the seal of biliteracy.

Process for Developing New Rule: Early solicitation of feedback and recommendations respecting new or amended rules, and consideration of the comments and recommendations in the course of drafting rules.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Veronica Trapani, OSPI, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-819-0950, TTY 360-664-3631, email veronica.trapani@k12.wa.us, website k12.wa.us; or Ben Everett, OSPI, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-754-6064, TTY 360-664-3631, email ben.everett@k12.wa.us, website k12.wa.us.