HI SB778

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

Mandates the department submit a preliminary report by twenty days prior to the 2016 legislative session and a final report by twenty days prior to the 2017 legislative session detailing development status, federal compliance issues, and long-term plans including funding projections.

Addresses the inadequacy of English-to-Hawaiian translations of Hawaii state assessments used during 2011-2014 school years, which contained inaccurate translations and failed to properly measure student achievement.

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

Takes effect July 1, 2015.