SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6189
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 February 2, 2016
Title: An act relating to requiring teacher preparation programs to integrate Native American curriculum developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction into existing Pacific Northwest history and government requirements.
Brief Description: Requiring teacher preparation programs to integrate Native American curriculum developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction into existing Pacific Northwest history and government requirements.
Sponsors: Senators McCoy, Rolfes, Hasegawa, Chase, Conway, Liias, Roach, Fraser, McAuliffe, Jayapal and Frockt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/02/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION |
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
Background: Teacher Preparation Programs. All teachers' colleges and teachers' courses at institutions of higher education in Washington must include a one quarter or semester course in either Washington State history and government or Pacific Northwest history and government with the curriculum. No person may graduate from a teachers college or teacher program without completing this course of study, unless otherwise determined by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board. Courses used to fulfill this requirement must include information on culture, history, and government of American Indian peoples.
Since Time Immemorial Curriculum. In 2005 the Legislature encouraged OSPI to help school districts identify federally recognized Indian tribes within or near school districts and school districts were encouraged to do the following:
incorporate curricula about tribal history, culture, and government of the nearest federally recognized tribe and work with tribes to develop such materials;
collaborate with tribes to create materials, programs, and cultural exchanges; and
collaborate with OSPI on curricular areas of tribal government and history that are statewide in nature.
In 2011 the Legislature directed OSPI to create the Office of Native Education (ONE). ONE was tasked with several duties including facilitating the development and implementation of curricula and instructional materials regarding native languages, culture and history, and the concept of tribal sovereignty.
OSPI, private and public agencies, and several of the 29 federally recognized Tribes in Washington State partnered and funded the Since Time Immemorial curriculum. The curriculum includes courses and materials on Washington State and United States Tribal history for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Summary of Bill: There must be a one quarter or semester course in Washington State history and government or Pacific Northwest history and government in the curriculum of all teacher preparation programs.
Teacher preparation programs must integrate the Native American curriculum developed by OSPI into existing programs or courses, and may modify the curriculum in order to incorporate elements that have a regionally specific focus. OSPI must make the curriculum available free of charge.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2016.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This concept has been worked on for about 12 years. The curriculum was made mandatory in K-12 schools last year. Several schools have made the curriculum mandatory already, but it makes sense to make all institutions use this program. Many teachers in Washington State have been nationally recognized. Robust teacher training is necessary to ensure teachers can delve into this curriculum. This is a great opportunity to ensure consistency between all of our schools. This program doesn’t add a new program but fits within current curriculums. It is very informative for our student-teachers to go through these courses. It is critical for our teachers to learn these core subjects before teaching the subjects in K-12. This bill looks at the sustainability of teaching tribal history and culture within Washington's common schools.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator McCoy, Prime Sponsor; Bob Cooper, WA Association of Colleges for Teacher Education; Elissa Goss, Washington Student Association; Jeff Beaulac, Student Governmental liaison The Evergreen State College.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.