Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 1294

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 Summary of Bill

Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to develop a model ethnic studies curriculum for use in grades 7 through 12.
Directs the SPI to establish an advisory committee to aid in the development of the model ethnic studies curriculum.
Encourages public schools with students in grades 7 through 12 to offer an ethnic studies course that incorporates the model ethnic studies curriculum.

Background:

Superintendent of Public Instruction. In addition to its constitutional charge of supervising all matters pertaining to public schools, the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and its office has numerous and broad responsibilities prescribed in statute, including:

making rules and regulations necessary for the administration of public education requirements; and

preparing courses of study and other materials and books for the discharge of education duties.

With respect to course preparation, the Legislature periodically considers and charges the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction with developing model curricula for use in Washington's school districts.

Essential Academic Learning Requirements. In 2013, the SPI updated the state Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) for social studies in grades kindergarten through grade 12. An understanding of culture is embedded throughout the EALRs and GLEs, for example, in third grade, students study the varied backgrounds and cultures of people, including American Indians, living in Washington and the rest of the United States, and examine the impact people from various cultures have had in shaping our contemporary society.

Summary of Bill:

By September 1, 2018, the SPI must develop, and periodically update, a model ethnic studies curriculum for use in grades 7 through 12. The model curriculum be designed to prepare students to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of multiple cultures. The model curriculum must be posted on the SPI's web site.

The SPI must establish an ethnic studies advisory committee to aid in the development of the ethnic studies curriculum. This committee must advise, assist, and make recommendations to the SPI regarding the development of the model ethnic studies curriculum. The 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.

The public schools with students in grades 7 through12 are encouraged to offer an ethnic studies course that incorporates the model ethnic studies curriculum.