sb170_As_introduced_LC_33_1805_2.html
07 LC 33 1805
Senate Bill 170
By: Senators Smith of the 52nd, Moody of the 56th, Mullis of the 53rd, Butler of the 55th, Seay of the 34th and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT


To amend Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to educational programs under the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to provide that American Sign Language can be used to fulfill the foreign language requirements for a college preparatory diploma for any student; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to educational programs under the "Quality Basic Education Act," is amended by revising Code Section 20-1-151.1, relating to American Sign Language as a foreign language for college preparatory curriculum and for Carnegie unit elective credits, as follows:
"20-2-151.1.
(a) For the purpose of fulfilling the foreign language requirements for a college preparatory curriculum seal of endorsement on a high school diploma, a demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language shall be accepted as a foreign language for any student if it is determined that a deaf student has a hearing loss which significantly impacts upon the student´s ability to learn a foreign language. The Individualized Education Plan Committee may then determine that American Sign Language can substitute for the foreign language requirements for the college preparatory seal of endorsement for a high school diploma, and it shall be so accepted by all local boards of education and the State Board of Education. A demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language shall be accepted as the equivalent of the required two units of a foreign language.
(b) For the purpose of earning Carnegie unit curriculum credits at the high school level, American Sign Language may be accepted by the State Board of Education for one unit two units of elective credit or for the third unit two units of foreign language credit, pursuant to for any student who is not covered by the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section."

SECTION 2.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.