Where the state board of education, a school district or a charter school requires world language instruction to graduate from high school, students must be allowed to meet that requirement by showing proficiency in a Native American language.
Official title: Native American language; instruction; certification
- September 12, 2026
What changes
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NowIf the state board of education, a school district or a charter school requires world language instruction for high school graduation, it must let students satisfy that requirement by demonstrating proficiency in a Native American language.
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NowSchool districts and charter schools are not required to offer a Native American language course.
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NowThe state board of education may set criteria for evaluating students' Native American language proficiency.
Who it affects
- High school students in Arizona public school districts and charter schools that require world language instruction to graduate
- Students who speak or are learning a Native American language
- School districts and charter schools
- State board of education
What you need to do
Nothing. Students at schools with a world language graduation requirement may choose to demonstrate proficiency in a Native American language to meet it.
What the law doesn't answer
- How students would demonstrate proficiency, such as a test or other evaluation, unless the state board sets criteria
- Who evaluates a student's proficiency
- Which languages count as Native American languages
- Whether the state board will actually set evaluation criteria, or when
- Whether this applies to students graduating in the current school year
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.