Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB46

Introduced
1/11/22  
Refer
1/11/22  
Engrossed
2/2/22  
Refer
2/3/22  
Enrolled
3/17/22  
Chaptered
3/29/22  

Caption

Education Dept., State Seal of Biliteracy, established, recognizing high school graduates with the proficiency in English and at least one world language, including American sign language

Impact

The bill impacts state education laws by instituting a formal recognition system for students who achieve a specific level of bilingual proficiency. This involves developing a state-approved assessment framework through which schools can certify students' language abilities. Participation in the program is voluntary for school districts, meaning each district can choose whether to implement the Seal of Biliteracy, which could lead to variable adoption across the state, impacting regional compliance with the certification standard.

Summary

House Bill 46 establishes the State Seal of Biliteracy in Alabama, aimed at recognizing high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other world language, including American Sign Language. This voluntary program is intended to encourage students to study languages, affirm the value of multilingualism, and provide employers and colleges a method to identify and acknowledge bilingual competencies in job applicants and students seeking higher education.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB46 has been generally positive, with broad support indicating a recognition of the importance of language skills in a globalized economy. Proponents argue that this initiative not only enriches the educational experience of students but also prepares them for the demands of a diverse workforce. There seems to be a strong consensus that biliteracy enhances cultural understanding and helps to strengthen community ties. However, concerns regarding implementation and funding for assessments may still linger among some stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the logistics of implementing standardized assessments and ensuring equitable access to the Seal of Biliteracy program across various school districts. As the program is voluntary, disparities may arise between districts with ample resources to support language studies and those without. Additionally, there are discussions about the potential burden on school administrators to track and certify individual student qualifications, which may present challenges in terms of staffing and resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB441

Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, minimum educational qualifications for speech-language pathology assistant provided

AL SB349

Teacher certification; American History and Civics Initiative, created within the Department of Education; online course of study and endorsement for high school teachers, provided for; one-time stipend, provided for; State Board of Education, required to adopt rules

AL SJR40

Commending Taiwan for its relations with the U.S. and State of Alabama

AL SB8

Teacher certification; American History and Civics Initiative, created within the Department of Education; online course of study and endorsement for high school teachers, provided for; one-time stipend, provided for; State Board of Education, required to adopt rules

AL HB272

Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP), renamed the Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama (LASEA) Program; providing loan assistance in acute educator shortage programs as determined by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education in consultation with the State Department of Education

AL HB266

Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act, providing for a nontraditional high school diploma option for students 17 years of age and older who withdraw from school through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College System; to provide for the sharing of data on students who drop out of high school; and to provide that participating students are eligible for driver's licenses

AL SB35

Public K-12 education, history instruction required to be fact-based and inclusive

AL SB75

Appropriations from Education Trust Fund for the support, maintenance, and development of public education for fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.

AL HB145

Appropriations from Education Trust Fund for the support, maintenance, and development of public education for fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.

AL SB112

Appropriations from Education Trust Fund for the support, maintenance, and development of public education for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026

Similar Bills

RI S2953

Biliteracy Seal

RI H7607

Biliteracy Seal

LA HB367

Provides relative to the State Seal of Biliteracy recognizing high school graduates who meet certain academic eligibility criteria relative to language proficiency

CA AB370

Pupil instruction: State Seal of Biliteracy.

LA HB761

Provides relative to criteria for a student's receipt of a State Seal of Biliteracy on his high school diploma or transcript

CA AB1142

High school diplomas: State Seal of Biliteracy: English learners.

IL HB3026

SCH CD-DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION

WY SF0078

Language proficiency-seal of biliteracy.