CO HB1365

Authorizes school districts, BOCES, and institute charter high schools to grant a diploma endorsement in biliteracy to graduating students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one world language, including American Sign Language.

Students must demonstrate English proficiency by completing required English Language Arts courses with at least 3.0 GPA, achieving proficiency on the college entrance exam administered to eleventh graders, and passing an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate English test with specified minimum scores.

Students must demonstrate world language proficiency through one of three methods: passing an Advanced Placement test with a score of three or higher, passing an International Baccalaureate test with a score of four or higher, completing a four-year high school course of study in the world language with at least 3.0 GPA, or passing a nationally recognized test relied upon by institutions of higher education.

Allows the Department of Education to identify alternative summative tests for world languages without available Advanced Placement tests and permits local education providers to create custom tests or accept a body of evidence demonstrating language proficiency, subject to department certification and approval.

Takes effect August 10, 2016, or upon voter approval in November 2016 if a referendum petition is filed within the ninety-day period following final adjournment of the general assembly.