Act 663 of 2021 amended Arkansas law concerning the basic language of instruction in public schools, allowing a public school district or an open enrollment public charter school, upon approval by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, to offer a Bilingual or Dual-Immersion programming option.

English is still the basic language of instruction; however, Act 663 expands language opportunities for students in Arkansas. All learners will be instructed in the Arkansas Academic Standards and participate in corresponding academic assessments in the English language. Using a partner language as the medium of instruction in core subjects, bilingual or dual-language programs are designed to provide extensive time each day in the partner language.  This integration is conducive to the development of bilingualism and biliteracy. 

Districts interested in offering Bilingual or Dual-Immersion (BDI) as a programming option for their school community are required to submit a BDI Application to ade.bdi@ade.arkansas.gov. The application can be found HERE.

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