HB 855 Summary

• Creates the State Seal of Biliteracy for high school students demonstrating proficiency in English and a foreign language (including American Sign Language and Native American languages); seal affixed to diploma and noted on transcript.

• Establishes the English Language Learners Advisory Council within the Department of Education to review and recommend reforms to ELL accountability policies, teacher preparation standards, funding allocations, and other ELL-related matters in annual reports to state leadership.

• Requires the Department of Education to develop and adopt statewide standardized assessments in native languages for students with limited English proficiency, beginning with the two most prevalent languages represented in the limited English proficient student population.

• Adds English language learner Learning Gains in English language proficiency as a component in school grading calculations, measured by statewide English language proficiency assessments.

• Takes effect July 1, 2015.