HB 1495-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds there is a need to establish collaborative government-to-government relationships between elected school boards and tribal councils to create local and/or regional curricula about tribal history and culture, and to promote dialogue and cultural exchanges that can help tribal leaders and school leaders implement strategies to close the achievement gap.

Provides that, beginning in 2006, and at least once annually through 2010, the Washington state school directors' association is encouraged to schedule regional meetings and invite the respective tribal councils from the region for the purpose of establishing government-to-government relationships and dialogue between tribal councils and school district boards of directors. Participants in these meetings should discuss issues of mutual concern, and should work to: (1) Identify the extent and nature of the achievement gap and strategies necessary to close it;

(2) Increase mutual awareness and understanding of the importance of accurate, high-quality curriculum materials about the history, culture, and government of local tribes; and

(3) Encourage school boards to identify and adopt curriculum that includes tribal experiences and perspectives, so that Indian students are more engaged and learn more successfully, and so that all students learn about the history, culture, government, and experiences of their Indian peers and neighbors.

Provides that, by December 1, 2008, and every two years thereafter through 2012, the school directors' association shall report to the education committees of the legislature regarding the progress made in the development of effective government-to-government relations, the narrowing of the achievement gap, and the identification and adoption of curriculum regarding tribal history, culture, and government. The report shall include information about any obstacles encountered, and any strategies under development to overcome them.