A new bill would help Colorado students get recognition at graduation for being fluent in more than one language.
Colorado lawmakers established a process in 2017 for districts to create a seal of biliteracy to be awarded at graduation. Students earn the endorsement if they show proficiency in English and another language through grades and tests.
House Bill 1028, which passed the House Education Committee, states that only 55 of Colorado鈥檚 179 school districts offer a biliteracy seal. This disproportionately leaves out students in rural districts or small schools. The bill creates a new bilingualism diploma endorsement and expands the ability of schools to offer biliteracy and the new bilingualism endorsements.
Students in districts that haven鈥檛 created their own endorsement would still need good grades and to take tests measuring competency in English and another language. They would be able to work with a college, university, or a Colorado Department of Education-approved educational nonprofit partner to receive an endorsement.
State Representative Elizabeth Velasco said bilingual students live in every corner of the state, but too many can鈥檛 showcase their mastery. The endorsements help demonstrate students鈥 abilities to employers and colleges. 鈥淲e want to make sure that kids are able to elevate their skills no matter where they live.鈥
The bill would require the Colorado Department of Education to set uniform statewide educational requirements for the bilingualism endorsement. Districts that don鈥檛 have a program could work with a college or educational non-profit for a fee.
Jorge Garcia, chair and chief executive officer of the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education, said during committee testimony that the current seal has helped students access scholarships and get the recognition they deserve for their abilities. His organization supported the 2017 law.
鈥淚n the spirit of continuous improvement, we see the opportunity for us to go even farther, the opportunity to increase access,鈥 Garcia said.
Chalkbeat (2/5/26) By Jason Gonzales