CO SB057

Creates a Native American Language and Culture Instruction Authorization allowing the Colorado Department of Education to certify individuals to teach Native American languages in public schools.

Authorizes two pathways for certification: individuals who qualify as adjunct instructors in native languages, or individuals who demonstrate expertise in a Native American language of a federally recognized tribe and work in partnership with a licensed world language teacher.

Requires the State Board of Education to establish approval rules including methods to verify language expertise, identification of partnering teachers, objective language proficiency standards, and prohibition on teaching other subjects.

Authorizations are valid for five years and renewable for succeeding five-year periods upon completion of renewal requirements specified by State Board rule.

Allows school district boards to adopt policies granting general education or world language credit for successful completion of Native American language courses for federally recognized tribal languages.