H.R.1660 - Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching Act; BEST Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1660, the Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching Act (BEST Act), aims to award grants to states for establishing or improving Seal of Biliteracy programs. These programs recognize high-level student proficiency in both English and a second language, including Native American languages. The bill also supports early language programs to promote biliteracy.
The Act emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity and the benefits of biliteracy for national security, economic growth, and individual potential. It authorizes appropriations of $10 million per fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 for these grants.
The bill outlines specific requirements for state applications, including criteria for demonstrating proficiency, plans for including English learners and students with disabilities, and assurances of equitable access to the program.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.1660 would increase the number of states offering Seal of Biliteracy programs, thereby recognizing and encouraging bilingualism among students. This could lead to improved educational outcomes, increased job opportunities for bilingual individuals, and a greater appreciation for cultural diversity.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Native American languages could help preserve and revitalize these languages. The grants would also support professional development for language educators and provide resources for low-income students to participate in testing.
Potential Benefits
- Recognition of bilingual skills on diplomas and transcripts.
- Increased opportunities for bilingual individuals in higher education and the workforce.
- Support for the preservation and revitalization of Native American languages.
- Improved educational outcomes for English learners and heritage language learners.
- Enhanced cultural awareness and appreciation for linguistic diversity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden for states to establish and maintain Seal of Biliteracy programs.
- Risk of inequitable access to programs if funding is not distributed effectively.
- Possible challenges in developing standardized proficiency tests for all languages, including less common ones.
- The cost of implementing and administering the program, although the bill authorizes appropriations, the actual funding may vary.
- Potential for the program to be perceived as favoring bilingualism over other educational priorities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to improve education and prepare students for the 21st century. The emphasis on Native American languages could be seen as an effort to respect tribal sovereignty, although the Constitution does not explicitly address language policy.
However, some might argue that the federal government's involvement in education, traditionally a state responsibility, could raise concerns about federal overreach. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the spending clause (Article I, Section 8) allows Congress to provide funding to states for specific purposes.
Overall, the bill's focus on education and cultural diversity appears to be consistent with the broad goals of the Constitution, although the extent of federal involvement could be debated.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).