MN HF2054

Establishes world languages as a required academic standard for high school graduation, effective for 9th grade students beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.

Requires graduating high school seniors to demonstrate intermediate-low level proficiency in a world language based on American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages guidelines.

Adds three credits of world language coursework as a mandatory high school graduation requirement, beginning with 9th grade students in the 2012-2013 school year and later.

Allows students who are non-English language speakers to satisfy the requirement by demonstrating intermediate-low proficiency in a world language other than English, recognizing existing language proficiency and cultural awareness.

Directs the Commissioner of Education to establish state world language academic standards and benchmarks by the 2011-2012 school year, with a review cycle beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.