AZLA News
More progress was made yesterday afternoon when SB1239, State Seal of Biliteracy (http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/52leg/2r/bills/sb1239s.pdf), was passed unanimously by the Education Committee of the AZ House of Representatives! (It sailed through the Senate Education Committee last month.) Our thanks go out to those who were able to attend in support on such short notice.
Here’s a recent article to explain more: http://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2016/02/29/arizona-moves-forward-toward-statewide-seal-of-biliteracy/.
We’ll keep you posted!
Submitted by Kathleen Backalukas.
In case you missed it last night, the second segment of PBS’ Horizon, focusing on AZ Education was devoted to Dual Language! http://www.azpbs.org/arizonahorizon/
At Kyrene de los Lagos Elementary School, both María Rivera (DL Kindergarten Spanish Educator) and Dr. Ana Gómez del Castillo (Principal) were interviewed. In the studio, two of our Spring 2016 Workshop Panel Members were guests: Dr. Jana Miller (Associate Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, CCUSD) and Aiden Fleming (Deputy Associate Superintendent, ADE). How fabulous to have all four in attendance at our workshop on Saturday!
Although she wasn’t mentioned by name, Jana spoke about Cristina’s upcoming teacher recruitment trip to China tomorrow. Go, Cristina Ladas, our newest Executive Board Member as the official AZLA Representative to NCSSFL! (Jana is a current AZLA member.)
And I like to think that Aiden was alluding to AZLA’s commitment during the interview studio segment with Ted Simons. For those of you fortunate enough to attend SWCOLT in Hawaii, cheer for Aiden who will be awarded the SWCOLT Friend of the Profession (whether or not he is able to be in attendance). Kudos to Doni Nasr for organizing Aiden’s nominating packet from AZLA! (Aiden is an honorary member.) Best of luck to SWCOLT Program Chair Jocelyn Danielson Raught!
At Saturday’s post-workshop Executive Board meeting, a new Extended Board Committee and Chair were named: Peter Thomas will chair Native Languages. Peter is currently a Dine Language and Cultural Specialist at Shonto Preparatory School. Welcome, Peter!
A great step forward yesterday. Thanks to those that made it out to the Senate Committees this week. SB1239 passed Appropriations and Education Committees.
Six of Cave Creek School District's trilingual students (middle and high school) testified at the AZ Senate Education Committee in support of SB1239: AZ Seal of Biliteracy, resulting in a 7-0-0 vote!
Here's a little video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x65YyPVuDZA
Background story: Last year, CSHS piloted its own Seal of Biliteracy and then shared this with the Department of Education, along with national statistics of what other states were doing (sealofbiliteracy.org). AZ DOE saw the potential benefits, the bipartisan nature of world language education and jumped on board by writing SB1239, a bill that proposed a statewide Seal of Biliteracy for graduating seniors that meet high levels of proficiency in English and another language. This sends a message to AZ students that reaching high levels of proficiency in world languages is a valued skill for college entrance and ultimately for entry into the workforce.
Superintendent Douglas Supports Seal of Biliteracy Legislation by Senator Carlyle Begay
(Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 21, 2015) – Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas today applauded legislators, community members and the Arizona Department of Education staff for their tireless work to develop Seal of Biliteracy legislation in the form of Senate Bill 1239.
Read more: http://www.prescottenews.com/index.php/news/current-news/item/26879-superintendent-douglas-supports-seal-of-biliteracy-legislation
