GOP English Proficiency Bill Gets Education Committee Approval

A Republican bill requiring all students in Colorado to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English before graduation from high school won endorsement by the Senate Education Committee Thursday.

SB 98 drew opposition from several Democrats on the committee, who argued that a forthcoming curriculum standards proposal would include English language requirements.

However, the bill's sponsor, Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, said he would withdraw his bill if that proposal does include standards requiring high school seniors to demonstrate the ability to speak and write English before graduation.

Two Democrats on the committee voted "yes." They were Sen. Bob Bacon, D-Fort Collins, and Sen. Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora. Democrats Sue Windels of Arvada and Ron Tupa of Boulder were the only "no" votes.