AR HB1451

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-16-104 to maintain English as the basic language of instruction in public schools while creating exceptions for approved bilingual and dual-immersion programs.

Allows educators to communicate with students in their native language to facilitate English language proficiency and learning.

Permits public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools to adopt bilingual or dual-immersion programs if approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Defines "bilingual program" as instruction using two languages (student's primary language and English) to develop proficiency in both while providing access to content areas.

Defines "dual-immersion program" as instruction in English and another language in classrooms typically comprised of half native English speakers and half native speakers of the other language.