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This bill alters the English Language Learner (ELL) program, lowering the minimum amount of time ELL students are required to be in English language development each day. The State Board of Education (SBE) must adopt research-based models for structured English immersion that include a minimum amount of English language development as follows: = For students in grades K-6 o 120 minutes per day OR o 600 minutes per week OR o 360 hours per school year = For students in grades 7-12 o 100 minutes per day OR o 500 minutes per week OR o 300 hours per school year. = Allows districts and charters to submit SEI and alternative English instruction models to SBE for approval. = Requires SBE, after soliciting input from experienced educators, to adopt rules to establish a framework for evaluating research-based models submitted for approval. = Directs SBE to ensure adopted models meet the following criteria: o Provide coherent instruction aligned with English language proficiency standards; o Include oral and written language instruction including structured opportunities to develop these skills; o Include access to complex language content through grade-level textbooks with appropriate supports; and o Include parental engagement strategies. = Specifies a pupil who is designated as an ELL student is not prohibited from being concurrently enrolled in an SEI model and an alternative English instruction model. = Requires the Office of the Auditor General to conduct an analysis on the effectiveness of all models adopted by SBE and identify the most effective. |
