African American Studies.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) received funding in fiscal year 2021 to convene a work group to develop recommendations for integrating, in a regular and ongoing basis, African American history, examination of racism, and the history of the civil rights movement into curricula provided to students in grades 7 through 12.  The work group was required to review pertinent curriculum that is available to school districts, and to include recommendations for the professional development needed to support educators in providing the instruction to students.  The findings and recommendations of the work group were required to be reported to the Legislature by November 15, 2020.

The OSPI received funding for fiscal years 2022 through 2025 to provide statewide coordination towards multicultural, culturally responsive, and anti-racist education to support academically, socially, and culturally literate learners.  The OSPI was directed to engage community members and key interested parties to:

• develop a clear definition and framework for African American studies to guide instruction in grades 7 through 12;
• develop a plan for aligning African American studies across all content areas; and
• identify professional development opportunities for educators and administrators to build capacity in creating high quality learning environments centered in belonging and racial equity, anti-racist approaches, and asset-based methodologies that pull from all students' cultural funds of knowledge.

Ethnic Studies.
The OSPI is required to identify state learning standards that address the knowledge and skills that all public school students need to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures.  The state learning standards must be periodically updated to incorporate best practices in ethnic studies.

In 2019 legislation was enacted that directed the OSPI to establish an advisory committee to, among other things:  (1) assist with identifying ethnic studies materials and resources for use in grades 7 through 12; and (2) develop a framework to support the teaching of ethnic studies.  In 2020 legislation was enacted that expanded these requirements to all grades.  

Public schools are encouraged to use the identified ethnic studies materials and resources.

"African American studies" is defined as an interdisciplinary approach, with the rigors of scholarly inquiry, to analyze the history, culture, and contributions of the people of African descent in the United States and throughout the African diaspora.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must convene a work group to identify African American studies curricula and other instructional methods and materials for students in grades 7 through 12.  In identifying curricula and other instructional methods and materials, the work group must:

1. review the report supported by funding in fiscal years 2022 and 2023;
2. connect with faculty at historically black colleges and universities; and
3. survey high school and college African American studies courses and programs, including by connecting with faculty at historically black colleges and universities.

At a minimum, the membership of the work group must include:

1. a representative from each of the following entities:  The Washington State Commission on African American Affairs; the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee; a statewide organization representing teachers; a statewide organization representing principals; the educational service district serving the most students; a community education group; a faith-based community organization; The National Urban League; and The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and
2. at least one individual who meets each of the following requirements:  a dean of education from a state institution of higher education; a student leader in a public middle or high school; and a family member or guardian of a public school student who is invested in the leadership of the school.

By December 1, 2024, the OSPI must report to the Legislature with a summary of the activities conducted by the work group and with the list of identified African American studies curricula and other instructional methods and materials for students in grades 7 through 12.