Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
SSB 5023
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning ethnic studies materials and resources for public school students.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hasegawa, Conway, Frockt, Wellman, Wilson, C. and Saldaña).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/18/19
Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
A basic education is an evolving program of instruction that is intended to provide students with the opportunity to become responsible and respectful global citizens, to contribute to their economic well-being and that of their families and communities, to explore and understand different perspectives, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is responsible for developing and revising the essential academic learning requirements (known as the state learning standards) that identify the knowledge and skills all public school students need to know and be able to do to meet the intention of the basic education program. For example, the state learning standards for social studies describe what students should know and be able to do in civics, economics, geography, history, and social studies. These standards are based on seven guiding principals, one of which is to incorporate multiple perspectives and cultural awareness.
School districts must teach content aligned to the state learning standards when the content area is required or offered, but districts do not ratify or formally adopt the state learning standards, as curriculum choices are, with limited exceptions, determined by school districts.
Summary of Bill:
By September 1, 2020, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must identify and make available ethnic studies materials and resources for use in grades 7 through 12. The materials and resources must be designed to prepare students to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of multiple cultures. The materials and resources must be posted on the OSPI's website.
To aid in the identification of ethnic studies materials and resources, the OSPI must establish an ethnic studies advisory committee. The ethnic studies advisory committee must advise, assist, and make recommendations to the OSPI regarding the identification of ethnic studies materials and resources and must develop a framework to support the teaching of ethnic studies to students in grades 7 through 12. The ethnic studies advisory committee must be composed of a majority of educators with experience in teaching ethnic studies from public high schools and institutions of higher education, including educators representing the Washington State commissions on African American Affairs, Asian Pacific American Affairs, and Hispanic Affairs, and the Governor's office of Indian Affairs.
Public schools with students in grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to offer an ethnic studies course that incorporates the materials and resources identified by the OSPI.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.