Republican senators united in committee today behind a bill by a freshman Democrat that will require English language competency of all students before they are allowed to graduate high school.

In the end, it was the GOP senators who made the difference, passing the bill out of the Senate Education Committee with only one Democrat voting in favor.

If it becomes law, Senate Bill 73 – which asks for no funding – will go into effect in 2012. That should give schools time to experiment with tactics and realign their resources in order to meet the requirements.

“We are mandating that students know English. Let’s not hide from that term.

What’s wrong with that?” said Sen. Josh Penry, R-Fruita. “To acquire knowledge you need to know English.”
Opponents of the bill – Democrats Sue Windels, of Arvada, Bob Bacon, of Fort Collins and Ron Tupa, of Boulder – argued the measure is an unfunded mandate on local school districts.

However, the bill’s lack of an appropriation by the state was described by its sponsor, Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, as a “bold” move during a time in which “we need to be bold.”

Republicans agreed. “Senator Romer, I commend your optimism,” said Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, the Senate’s assistant minority leader. “Everyone in this building is too focused on the money. I’m sick and tired of it. More funding is not always the answer.”

SB-73 aims to help Coloradans who are hindered by their second-language status better assimilate into the workforce after graduating high school. Navigating business, commerce and safety all require knowledge of the English language.
“This is good common sense policy for Colorado,” added Republican Sen. Mike Kopp.

School districts will get to individually define “competency,” which is critical
because needs vary by district. However, it is certain that SB-73 ups the ante
on districts to focus on English language acquisition and competency.

The bill passed by a 4-3 vote and is headed to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.