SUMMARY: LC 40 1020 HB 879/FA AM 40 0169

Provides for a Georgia Seal of Biliteracy for high school graduates who have achieved a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English

Purpose is to encourage the study of foreign languages, to certify attainment of biliteracy, to provide employers with a method to identify people with language and biliteracy skills, and to provide universities with a method to recognize and give academic credit to applicants seeking admission 

PROVISIONS:

A high school graduate must meet the following criteria to qualify:

• Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Proficiency in one or more languages other than English as demonstrated through one of the following methods:
  •  Passing a foreign language AP exam with a score of 3 or higher OR an IB exam with a score of 4 or higher; if an AP exam is not available for a language, the Department of Education may provide a listing of equivalent summative exams that local school districts may use
  • Successfully completing a four-year high school course of study in a foreign language and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR
  • Passing the SAT II foreign language exam with a score of 600 or higher

Local school systems participating in the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy program shall maintain appropriate records to identify students who have earned the Seal and shall put the appropriate insignia on the diploma or transcript

School districts' participation in the program is voluntary. 

No school system shall be required to expend additional resources or hire additional personnel to implement this program.

The Department of Education shall prepare and deliver to participating school systems an appropriate insignia to be used for this program. 

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2016 if it passes