BySenate Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Hasegawa, Conway, Frockt, Wellman, Wilson, C., and Saldaña)

AN ACT Relating to ethnic studies materials and resources for public school students; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature stated in RCW 28A.150.210 that a "basic education is an evolving program of instruction that is intended to provide students with the opportunity to become responsible and respectful global citizens." In order to prepare students to be global citizens, the legislature intends to require the office of the superintendent of public instruction to identify and make available ethnic studies materials and resources for use in grades seven through twelve. The legislature also intends to encourage public schools with students in grades seven through twelve to offer an ethnic studies course that incorporates the materials and resources.

(1) By September 1, 2020, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall identify and make available ethnic studies materials and resources for use in grades seven through twelve. The materials and resources must be designed to prepare students to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of multiple cultures. The materials and resources must be posted on the office of the superintendent of public instruction's web site.

(2) Public schools with students in grades seven through twelve are encouraged to offer an ethnic studies course that incorporates the materials and resources identified under subsection (1) of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1)(a) To aid in the identification of ethnic studies materials and resources required under section 2 of this act, the superintendent of public instruction must establish an ethnic studies advisory committee.

(b) The ethnic studies advisory committee must advise, assist, and make recommendations to the office of the superintendent of public instruction regarding the identification of ethnic studies materials and resources required under section 2 of this act.

(c) The ethnic studies advisory committee must develop a framework to support the teaching of ethnic studies to students in grades seven through twelve.

(d) The ethnic studies advisory 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.