HB 17-1160

HB 17-1160, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, allows schools to decide whether English language learners in kindergarten through third grade should take reading tests in English or their native language if such an option is available. Schools can also give the test in both languages if parents request it. The law requires schools to inform parents about when their child will start taking the English version of the test based on how well they know English. This bill affects students who are learning English and their families, providing more flexibility in how these young learners are assessed.

Official Summary

The bill specifies that, if a student enrolled in kindergarten or one of grades one through 3 is an English language learner, the school district or charter school in which the student is enrolled will decide whether the student takes the reading assessments in English or in the student's native language if there is an approved assessment available in the student's native language. If the student takes the assessments in his or her native language, the school district or charter school may also administer the assessments in English if requested by the student's parent. If a student who is an English language learner takes the reading assessments in his or her native language, the school district or charter school must determine the level of English proficiency at which the student will take the reading assessments in English and communicate that proficiency level to the student's parent. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

Votes