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DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB26-1028 to support students who speak more than one language.
“When our schools are tailored to students, we equip them with the resources and tools they need to not only get by, but thrive,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Our bill would make it easier for high school students to earn a bilingualism endorsement to share with colleges and future employers. In Colorado, we celebrate the diversity and cultural richness that make our state great, and by improving the language proficiency designations, we can make it easier for multilingual students to showcase their skills.”
“Colorado’s public schools educate thousands of multilingual students, and this bill gives them the recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Soon, multilingual high school students in Colorado will have new opportunities to receive a bilingualism endorsement on their diplomas. Speaking more than one language can give students a competitive edge when it comes to college applications or landing their dream internship, and this bill helps multilingual students excel.”
HB26-1028, which passed the House by a vote of 44-20, would expand access to language proficiency designations to improve educational outcomes for high school students who speak more than one language. This bill would create a diploma endorsement for bilingualism, which would require students to speak, listen, and understand another language in addition to English. The bill also expands access to the State Seal of Biliteracy, which requires students to showcase their language skills more rigorously through writing exams and reading comprehension.
Colorado's public schools educate 114,482 multilingual students, and this bill would help students display their language skills and set them on a strong pathway for future careers.