AZ SB1297

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 15-756.01 regarding the Arizona English language learners task force and structured English immersion programs.

Allows the task force to consider and approve alternative models of English language learner programs that are recommended by the department of education and developed in collaboration with one or more school districts, in addition to the research-based structured English immersion models.

Maintains existing requirements that structured English immersion models must be research-based, cost-efficient, and meet state and federal laws, with a minimum of four hours per day of English language development for first-year English language learners.

Task force continues to review models annually, establish budget request procedures, and determine incremental costs for implementation, offsetting federal and state funding sources.

Defines key terms including "compensatory instruction" and "incremental costs" for purposes of English language learner program funding.