The proposed bill would amend current Arizona statutes by adding new sections that establish requirements for the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), the State Board of Education (SBE), school districts, and charter schools regarding Native American language courses and certification. Specifically, it would require ADE to create a grant program for school districts to collaborate with federally recognized Indian tribes to offer Native American language courses. Additionally, it mandates that SBE, ADE, school districts, and charter schools support certification pathways for individuals seeking a Native American language certificate.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a school district or charter school includes a foreign language requirement in its high school graduation criteria, it must allow students to fulfill this requirement by demonstrating proficiency in a Native American language. This change aims to enhance the recognition and integration of Native American languages within the educational framework, thereby promoting cultural relevance and inclusivity in language instruction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-249.20, 15-501.02, 15-701.05, 15-501.01