SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 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. |
As of January 21, 2019
Title: An act relating to an ethnic studies curriculum for public school students.
Brief Description: Concerning an ethnic studies curriculum for public school students.
Sponsors: Senators Hasegawa, Conway, Frockt, Wellman, Wilson, C. and Saldaña.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/18/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)
Background: The Superintendent of Public Instruction has a number of powers and duties including preparing courses of study and other materials necessary for the discharge of education duties. School district boards of directors have broad discretionary power to determine and adopt written policies not in conflict with other law that provide for the development and implementation of programs, activities, services, or practices.
State law requires OSPI to develop and periodically revise the essential academic learning requirements (EALRs). EALRs identify knowledge and skills all public school students need to know and be able to do based on the student learning goals. The student learning goals include civics and history. Civics and history include the understanding of different cultures and participation in representative government. The current EALRs and grade-level expectations for social studies incorporate references to cultures and ethnic groups.
Summary of Bill: Model Ethnic Studies Curriculum. By September 1, 2020, OSPI must develop and periodically update a model ethnic studies curriculum for use in grades 7–12. The curriculum must be designed to prepare students for global citizenship in a global society, with an appreciation for the contributions of multiple cultures.
The curriculum must be available on OSPI's website.
School districts are encouraged to offer an ethnic studies course which incorporates the model curriculum.
Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee. OSPI must convene an advisory committee to advise, assist, and make recommendations on the development of the model curriculum. The advisory committee must include a majority of educators with experience in teaching ethnic studies and include 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 11, 2019.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: A well-rounded education includes evidence-based ethnic studies in order to develop a culturally responsive student body. This bill aligns with the basic education goals by providing an opportunity for students to understand different cultures. Currently, school districts and schools are individually pulling together ethnic studies curriculum. OSPI can provide a comprehensive framework and a curriculum library, so school districts can choose what they would like to use.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jerry Price, OSPI; Kaaren Heikes, Washington State Board of Education; Simone Boe, Washington Education Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.