House committee advances 2 education bills

Measures help DACA recipients become teachers, allow bilingual programs

Two bills that advocates say would expand educational opportunity for immigrants and Hispanic people in Arkansas were advanced by a state House committee on Thursday.

House Bill 1594 by Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, allows the state Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to grant a teaching license to beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, or DACA, to would-be educators who fulfill the requirements to teach in the state.

House Bill 1451 by Rep. Megan Godfrey, D-Springdale, permits public schools in the state to adopt a bilingual or dual-language immersion program, something currently prohibited under state law.

There are about 4,500 active DACA recipients living in Arkansas. For aspiring teachers such as Maria Colorado, that status makes her unable to get the job she wants despite completing her education, tests and student teaching.

“I did all of that. Now the only thing that’s in my way is the language in the law,” Colorado told the House Education Committee on Thursday. “I just want the opportunity to be able to apply for teaching jobs.”

Judith Yanez, RootED Northwest Arkansas, a group that aims to help all parents understand and engage in their children’s education system, said bilingual and dual-immersion education options are in demand and beneficial for students.

“We believe in a parent’s right to choose the right environment for their child, and especially that they are able to have options. Bilingual education is an option that parents want,” Yanez said. “This is a primary reason parents seek other options to support their child’s educational needs and social-emotional growth.”

About 4,480 active DACA recipients lived in Arkansas as of March 202o, according to the American Immigrant Council. Nearly 5,500 people in the Natural State have been beneficiaries of the program since 2012.

The committee approved both measures in voice votes Thursday. They now head to the House floor for consideration.

(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) Rep. Megan Godfrey (center), D-Springdale, talks with teachers Thursday at the state Capitol after a news conference celebrating the success of House Bill 1451 and House Bill 1594. More photos at arkansasonline.com/312daca/.