HI HB224

Requires the Department of Education to develop annual assessments in the Hawaiian language for language arts and mathematics in grades three through six, and science in grade four of the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program.

Language arts and mathematics assessments for grades three and four shall begin annually in the 2015-2016 school year, with grades five and six assessments to commence in a later school year to be determined.

Assessments must be aligned with the Hawaiian language immersion program's vision, mission, and goals; aligned with state academic standards; valid and reliable; and compliant with federal requirements.

All ancillary assessment materials and tools available to general state assessment students shall also be made available in Hawaiian language to immersion program students to the extent adaptable, with the department collaborating with the Hawaiian language community to develop these materials.

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 to develop the Hawaiian language assessments, with the Department of Education to report to the legislature by twenty days prior to the 2014 and 2015 regular sessions on development status, estimated costs, and necessary resources.