Bill
HB 2451
Allows high school grads to satisfy required two-year foreign language by completing two years of approved career-focused coursework eligible for a College and Career Pathway Endor
Status (as of documents provided)
- Introduced: February 4–5, 2025
- Assigned to education-related committees (Education Policy / Public Education / Rules in various entries)
- Multiple co-sponsors added
- Companion bills: HB 27 and SB 3140
- Bill text indicates an immediate effective date; bill language and legislative history show committee activity and movement (see official legislative record for final enactment status in your jurisdiction)
Purpose
- To give high school students an alternative to the current two-year foreign language graduation requirement by allowing completion of at least two years of specified career-focused coursework that meets the State Board of Education’s standards for a College and Career Pathway Endorsement (under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act).
Key provisions
- Diploma prerequisite (effective for pupils entering 9th grade beginning with the 2028–2029 school year):
- Each pupil must successfully complete either:
- Two years of foreign language courses (may include American Sign Language), OR
- At least two years of career-focused coursework that the State Board of Education has authorized as fulfilling the requirements for a College and Career Pathway Endorsement under the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act.
- A student may still choose to take a third year of foreign language to satisfy other elective requirements.
- State Board role:
- The State Board of Education is directed to develop and notify school districts of the standards for career-focused coursework that qualify as a College and Career Pathway Endorsement.
- Public university admission accommodation:
- Amends multiple public university statutes to prohibit universities from requiring completion of foreign language coursework as an admissions condition for state public high school graduates — unless the university permits the College and Career Pathway Endorsement (as described above) to be used as an alternative to foreign language coursework.
Who is affected
- Students: All public high school students entering 9th grade beginning 2028–2029 (choice between foreign language or approved career pathway coursework).
- School districts and high schools: Must offer or permit students to pursue qualifying career-focused sequences and follow State Board standards and guidance.
- State Board of Education: Responsible for defining qualifying coursework and standards for the College and Career Pathway Endorsement.
- Public universities in the state: Required to accept the endorsed career-pathway option in lieu of foreign language prerequisites for admission (per amendments to each university’s enabling law).
- Educators and programs: World language programs, career and technical education (CTE), and pathway program planning will be directly impacted.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Expands flexibility for students to pursue career-aligned coursework that supports postsecondary and workforce readiness.
- May shift student demand from traditional world language courses to CTE or pathway programs, with implications for staffing and course offerings.
- Aligns high school graduation requirements more closely with workforce pathways and state endorsement systems.
- Public universities will need to update admissions policies and communication to reflect the alternative pathway acceptance.
- Implementation will depend on timely State Board standards, local district capacity to offer qualifying pathways, and clear guidance to districts and universities.
For verification and current status, consult the official legislative tracking site for your state (committee reports, final votes, and governor action).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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