Requires certain second language programs of state interest be given priority in disbursement of state funding.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that it is of concern to the international affairs, foreign policy issues, and international relations of the State to protect the integrity of indigenous languages, especially languages Hawaii has a State constitutional mandate to preserve.

SECTION 2. Section 302H-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§302H-5[]] Student performance. (a) The department of education may develop and use multiple assessment strategies and instruments to assess student achievement and performance and to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching strategies and methods being used in the Hawaiian language medium education program.

(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, priority in funding from the State shall be given to languages of state interest, which include Hawaiian. "Priority in funding" means the funding level necessary to allow students under this section to meet adequate yearly performance, as determined through assessment by the department of education."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.