AK HB157

Establishes language immersion charter schools that must provide at least 50 percent of instructional hours in an indigenous or foreign language, with academic policy committees including parents, employees, and language/culture experts.

Creates three teacher certification pathways for language immersion schools: standard certificates with language immersion endorsement, limited certificates for language teachers, or certificates issued by Alaska Native tribes.

Requires language immersion endorsement applicants to demonstrate ability to conduct classroom activities entirely in the target language and complete an approved course or program in language immersion education.

Allows limited teacher certificates for language teachers to be issued for one year initially, extended for up to four additional years if the school board or academic policy committee certifies demonstrated instructional skills, without requiring additional academic training.

Permits students in language immersion charter schools and programs to take statewide standards-based assessments in their language of instruction, to the extent allowed by federal law.