AZ SB1177

Amends section 15-756.01 of Arizona Revised Statutes regarding English language learner (ELL) programs and structured English immersion models used by school districts and charter schools.

Requires the state board of education to develop or adopt research-based models of structured English immersion programs, with separate models for the first year ELL students are classified that include a minimum of four hours per day of English language development.

Establishes a three-year waiver process allowing school districts and charter schools to request exemption from the four-hour minimum English language development requirement if they propose an alternative research-based language program approved by the state board.

Specifies that budget request calculations for structured English immersion programs must offset incremental costs by accounting for federal title III monies, portions of title I and IIA monies, impact aid, desegregation monies, and ELL support weight funding already allocated to schools.

Designates this act as an emergency measure operative immediately.