FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6066

C 59 L 20

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Expanding ethnic studies materials and resources for public school students in grades kindergarten through six.

Sponsors: Senators Hasegawa, Kuderer, Nguyen, Stanford, Saldaña and Wilson, C.

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education

House Committee on Education

Background: Essential Academic Learning Requirements. Current law defines a basic education, in part, to be an evolving program of instruction intended to provide students with the opportunity to become responsible and respectful global citizens.

In 2019, the Legislature directed the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to adopt Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and grade-level expectations by September 1, 2020, identifying knowledge and skills all public school students need to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures. The term EALRs has been updated to the term state learning standards in some places in the education code.

Ethnic Studies Materials and Resources. Current law requires OSPI to identify and make available ethnic studies materials and resources for use in grades 7-12. Public schools with students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to offer an ethnic studies course incorporating the materials and resources.

Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee. In 2019, the Legislature directed OSPI to establish an advisory committee to advise, assist, and make recommendations regarding the identification of materials and resources for use in elementary schools and grades 7-12. The advisory committee is also developing a framework to support teaching ethnic studies in grades 7-12.

The advisory committee includes a majority of educators with experience teaching ethnic studies and educators representing the Washington State commissions on African-American Affairs, Asian Pacific American Affairs, and Hispanic Affairs.

Summary: State Learning Standards. By September 1, 2021, OSPI must identify existing state learning standards addressing knowledge and skills all public school students need to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures, instead of adopting EALRs and grade-level expectations.

Ethnic Studies Materials and Resources. The deadline for OSPI to identify and make available ethnic studies and materials and resources is extended by one year and adds they are for use in all grades including grades K-6. Public schools with students in grades K-6 are encouraged to incorporate the materials and resources.

Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee. The advisory committee must advise, assist, and make recommendations addressing grades K-12 and to consider the need for piloting ethnic studies materials and resources and professional development. Educators with experience in age-appropriate ethnic studies curricula are added to the committee membership.

Votes on Final Passage: