S.B. 900 Summary

• Establishes a Hawaii state seal of biliteracy program to recognize high school graduates who demonstrate high proficiency in English and at least one other language, including American Sign Language, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and other indigenous languages.

• School participation in the program is voluntary, and the superintendent of education shall provide participating schools with a certificate template, insignia for the seal, and other necessary implementation materials.

• Students qualify for the seal by passing all required English/language arts courses and demonstrating foreign language proficiency through AP exams (score 3+), IB exams (score 4+), comparable national assessments, or school certification of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

• Participating schools must maintain records of eligible students and include the certificate of recognition on student transcripts at no charge to students.

• Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to establish and administer the state seal of biliteracy program, effective July 1, 2015.