HI SB778

Requires the Department of Education to develop and administer annual non-translated assessments in Hawaiian language for language arts, mathematics, and science for students in the Hawaiian language immersion program (ka papahana kaiapuni) in grades three and four.

Mandates the department submit a preliminary report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 regular session and a final report before the 2017 regular session detailing development status, federal compliance issues, and long-term plans for expansion to other grade levels.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to support continued development and administration of the non-translated Hawaiian language assessments.

Addresses federal accountability assessment requirements for the Hawaiian language immersion program by replacing previously used English-to-Hawaiian translations that contained flaws with assessments specifically developed in Hawaiian.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.