A measure to ensure high school graduates can communicate—in English—won the approval of the full Senate today.

Senate Bill 98 would require high school students to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language before they could get a diploma.  The measure is part of the GOP's legislative agenda for 2008.

Bill sponsor Shawn Mitchell, a Republican senator from Broomfield, said his proposal is necessary because many schools are doing their students a major disservice by not adequately preparing them for success in an increasingly competitive global work force.  He also added that students need English proficiency just to fill out a college or work application.

"It's not just about a piece of paper, receiving a diploma," Mitchell said. "It's making sure students grasp the English language.  Too many schools look the other way and pass students who simply aren't prepared to succeed in life."

"We need to send these kids a rescue boat," Mitchell added.