SSB 3028 (LSB 5184XD (5) 87)

SENATE/HOUSE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BILL)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to terminology changes in education-related Iowa Code references to foreign languages.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 49.13, subsection 6, paragraph a, subparagraph (3), Code 2018, is amended to read as follows:
   (3)  Receive credit in at least four subjects, each of one period or hour, or the equivalent thereof, at all times. The eligible subjects are language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, physical education, fine arts, foreign world language, and career and technical education. Coursework taken as a postsecondary enrollment option for which a school district or accredited nonpublic school grants academic credit toward high school graduation shall be used in determining eligibility. A student shall not be denied eligibility if the student’s school program deviates from the traditional two-semester school year. Each student wishing to participate under this subsection shall be passing all coursework for which credit is given and shall be making adequate progress toward graduation requirements at the end of each grading period. At the end of a grading period that is the final grading period in a school year, a student who receives a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded is ineligible to participate under this subsection. A student who is eligible at the close of a semester is academically eligible to participate under this subsection until the beginning of the subsequent semester. A student with a disability who has an individualized education program shall not be denied eligibility to participate under this subsection on the basis of scholarship if the student is making adequate progress, as determined by school officials, towards the goals and objectives of the student’s individualized education program.
    Sec. 2.  Section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph f, Code 2018, is amended to read as follows:
   f.  Four sequential units of one foreign world language other than which may include American sign language. Provision of instruction in American sign language shall be in addition to and not in lieu of provision of instruction in other foreign languages. The department may waive the third and fourth years of the foreign world language requirement on an annual basis upon the request of the board of directors of a school district or the authorities in charge of a nonpublic school if the board or authorities are able to prove that a licensed teacher was employed and assigned a schedule that would have allowed students to enroll in a foreign world language class, the foreign world language class was properly scheduled, students were aware that a foreign world language class was scheduled, and no students enrolled in the class.
    Sec. 3.  Section 280.4, subsection 1, Code 2018, is amended to read as follows:
   1.  The medium of instruction in all secular subjects taught in both public and nonpublic schools shall be the English language, except when the use of a foreign world language is deemed appropriate in the teaching of any subject or when the student is limited English proficient. When the student is limited English proficient, both public and nonpublic schools shall provide special instruction, which shall include but need not be limited to either instruction in English as a second language or transitional bilingual instruction until the student is fully English proficient or demonstrates a functional ability to speak, read, write, and understand the English language. As used in this section, “limited English proficient” means a student’s language background is in a language other than English, and the student’s proficiency in English is such that the probability of the student’s academic success in an English-only classroom is below that of an academically successful peer with an English language background. “Fully English proficient” means a student who is able to read, understand, write, and speak the English language and to use English to ask questions, to understand teachers and reading materials, to test ideas, and to challenge what is being asked in the classroom.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill replaces references to “foreign language” with the term “world language” when used in Code provisions relating to the appointment of high school students as precinct election board members, to the education standards for the accreditation of schools, and to the medium of instruction when a student is limited English proficient. The bill provides that “world language” may include American sign language and strikes language that prohibits school districts and accredited nonpublic schools from using an American sign language course to meet certain education standards for accreditation purposes.