AK SB84

Language immersion charter schools must provide at least 50 percent of instructional hours in an indigenous or foreign language for each grade level, with academic policy committees including parents, employees, and speakers or cultural experts of the language of instruction.

Teachers at language immersion charter schools must hold a standard teacher certificate with an indigenous or foreign language immersion endorsement, a limited teacher certificate for language teachers, or a teacher certificate issued by an Alaska Native tribe and recognized by the department.

The department shall issue an indigenous or foreign language immersion endorsement to teachers who demonstrate ability to conduct classroom activities entirely in the target language and complete a course or program in language immersion education.

Limited teacher certificates for language teachers are initially valid for one year and may be extended for up to four additional years if the school board or academic policy committee certifies demonstrated skills; the board cannot require additional academic training for renewal.

Alaska Native tribes may issue teacher certificates for language immersion teaching if they submit certification procedures including evaluation of language proficiency, subject matter knowledge, and instructional skills specific to language immersion education, subject to department recognition.

The department shall allow students in language immersion charter schools and programs to take statewide standards-based assessments in the language of instruction, to the extent permitted by federal law.