Utah Standards for World Languages

The Utah State Board of Education approved Standards for World Languages in February of 2020. The Utah World Languages Core Standards for Proficiency are a description of the competencies a Utah world language learner should demonstrate at three of five proficiency levels as defined in the 2012 American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines.

Utah State Board of Education Core Standards for World Languages

Educator Endorsements

Information regarding endorsements, the application, and the submission process can be found on the USBE Licensing website:

World Languages Endorsement Application and Specifications

World Languages Endorsement:

This endorsement may be attached to a current Professional or Associate Educator License with a Secondary Education area of concentration and is required to be qualified to teach any world language course with a secondary course code.

World Languages Endorsement Application

World Languages Endorsement Specifications

American Sign Language (ASL) Endorsement:

This endorsement may be attached to a current Professional or Associate Educator License, which qualifies one to teach American Sign Language (ASL) in Elementary or Secondary (grades K-12) ASL classes.

American Sign Language (ASL) Endorsement Application

American Sign Language (ASL) Endorsement Specifications Document

Foreign Exchange Students

Enrollment of Foreign Exchange Students:

Utah public schools are required to enroll any student residing within their geographic boundaries, regardless of their immigration status. However, all students and families must comply with federal immigration laws. Because the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) does not have authority over immigration, it is highly recommended that families consult an experienced immigration attorney before bringing a student to the United States.

Student Visa Options (Grades 9–12 only)

Foreign students are generally not eligible to attend U.S. public schools in grades K–8. Students in grades 9–12 may attend for a maximum of one year via the following visas:

F-1 Visa (Academic Student)

• Availability: Only for high school students (grades 9–12) for one year.
• Requirements: Students must pay the local school district the full, unsubsidized cost of their education.
• Limitations: Many Utah districts are not authorized to issue the required I-20 forms.

J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)

• Availability: For high school students (grades 9–12) to study for one year.
• Process: USBE recommends working with organizations listed by the Council on Standards in International Educational Travel (CSIET).
• Support: These organizations typically handle visas, school placement, and host family arrangements for a fee.

 State Codes and Board Rule

• State Code: 53F-2-303 Foreign exchange student weighted pupil units
• State Code: 53G-6-707 Interstate compact students – Inclusion in attendance count – Foreign exchange students – Annual report – Requirements for exchange student agencies
• Board Rule R277-612 Foreign Exchange Students

Resources

Link for Tourist Visas, and please look under the topic of "travel purposes not permitted.”: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

Link to F-1 students: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa/foreign-students-in-public-schools.html

Link to J-1 students (for whom the WPU is reimbursed): http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/secondary-school-student/

Resources

Utah State Board of Education Instructional Materials Center

The purpose of state recommendation of instructional materials is to provide the schools of the state the very best available core-related materials and to eliminate instructional materials that violate Utah Administrative Code or Utah State Board Rules.
Instructional Materials Center (IMC)

Utah State Board of Education Recommended Instructional Materials System (RIMS)

RIMS is a specialized tool designed to ensure that the materials used in Utah classrooms are high-quality, effective, and strictly aligned with state educational goals.
Recommended Instructional Materials System (RIMS)

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is the premier resource for language educators and learners, providing the "gold standard" for language proficiency and instruction.
https://www.actfl.org/

Utah Seal of Biliteracy

Purpose: The Seal of Biliteracy certifies that a student has reached at least an Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency in one or more world languages (including American Sign Language, American Native Languages, or classical languages) in addition to being proficient in English. A high school student may receive the seal in conjunction with their high school diploma. Utah State Board Rule R277-499.

Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Responsibilities:

USBE will provide the framework, resources, and official documentation:

• Assessment Standards: USBE must maintain, regularly update, and publish a list of acceptable national and international tests and qualifying scores.
• Templates: USBE will provide a sample application template that LEAs may choose to use for their local process.

Official Transcripts: Once a student meets the requirements, USBE is responsible for electronically placing the Seal of Biliteracy on the student's official transcript.

Local Education Agency (LEA) Responsibilities:

LEAs are responsible for the local implementation and management of the program:

• Application Process: LEAs may develop a local application process for students wanting to earn the seal.
• Program Administration: If an LEA establishes an application process, they must include procedures for:
• Advertising the criteria for the Seal of Biliteracy.
• Tracking students who may qualify for the seal.
• Documenting student progress.
• Staff Training: LEAs must train counselors and/or world language coordinators to provide information about the application process to interested students.
• Awarding the Seal: LEAs may award the seal to students who demonstrate required proficiency on both the English and world language assessments.
• Diplomas: LEAs have the option to place a physical seal on a qualifying student's paper diploma. (Please contact USBE Staff for a digital version of the Seal of Biliteracy.)
• Reporting: LEAs must report to USBE the students who receive the seal each year.

Resources

Approved Assessments for Seal of Biliteracy

Sample Application