Providing for a world language education pilot program and making appropriations

This bill requires the department of education to establish a world language education pilot program to enhance foreign language education in Iowa elementary schools. The pilot program shall provide for research-based foreign language instruction of students beginning in kindergarten and continuing through grade five. The pilot program shall provide for yearly assessments of student progress in the development of foreign language skills. The bill requires the department to establish program evaluation criteria. The bill requires the department to establish the pilot program in two elementary schools in school districts with enrollment less than 3,000 students and two elementary schools in school districts with enrollment greater than 3,000 students. The bill limits participation in the pilot program to schools in which at least percent of enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced price meals under federal law. The bill requires the department to give preference in the selection of schools to participate in the pilot program to schools in which a significant percentage of enrolled students are limited English proficient or in which enrolled students have a language background in a significant number of languages other than English. The bill requires a participating elementary school to enter into an agreement pursuant to Code chapter 28E with a regents institution to assist in the development of instruction, coursework, assessments, and any other resources necessary to carry out the pilot program. The bill requires the department to submit a biennial report to the general assembly on the department’s findings and recommendations regarding the pilot program and foreign language education. The bill appropriates $280,000 to the department for the pilot program for each of the six fiscal years in the period beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2027. The bill also appropriates $100,000 to the department for administrative costs associated with the implementation of the pilot program for fiscal year 2021-2022.