Connecticut House Bill HB07159

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/17
• Refer: 2/23/17
• Report Pass: 3/8/17
• Refer: 3/20/17
• Report Pass: 3/27/17
• Engrossed: 4/5/17
• Report Pass: 4/7/17
• Chaptered: 5/30/17
• Enrolled: 5/31/17
• Passed: 6/6/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Connecticut's Seal Of Biliteracy.

Impact

The implementation of HB 7159 amends existing educational statutes, thereby formalizing the process for recognizing biliteracy through an official state endorsement. Students graduating from the class of 2018 onwards will receive this distinction, which will appear on their diplomas and transcripts. This not only validates their language abilities but also enhances their qualifications in the job market and higher education settings, potentially benefiting Connecticut's workforce and economy.

Summary

House Bill 7159, known as the Act Concerning Connecticut’s Seal of Biliteracy, was enacted to enhance recognition for students who achieve proficiency in multiple languages. This legislation allows local or regional boards of education to affix the Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy on diplomas for students demonstrating a high level of proficiency in English and one or more foreign languages. The objective of the bill is to acknowledge and encourage bilingualism and biliteracy among students, thereby preparing them for a globalized society.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 7159 was positive, with strong support among educators, parents, and advocacy groups that recognize the value of linguistic diversity. Proponents argued that this bill is a significant step towards fostering a multilingual populace, which is essential in today's interconnected world. There was a general consensus on the importance of celebrating and encouraging language proficiency as a valuable asset.

Contention

While the general reception was favorable, some educators expressed concerns regarding the implementation details, primarily related to the criteria for proficiency and the potential administrative burdens on schools. They raised questions about the resources required to accurately assess and certify proficiency levels. However, these concerns were largely outweighed by the bill's perceived benefits in promoting educational achievement and cultural competency among students.