REFERENCE TITLE: model ethnic studies curriculum

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session 2020

SB 1589

Introduced by Senators Quezada: Gonzales; Representative Andrade

 

AN ACT

 

amending Title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-709; relating to school instruction.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-709, to read:

START_STATUTE15-709.  Model ethnic studies curriculum

A.  On or before September 1, 2021, the superintendent of public instruction shall develop a model ethnic studies curriculum for use in grades seven through twelve.  The superintendent shall design the model curriculum to prepare students to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures.

B.  The superintendent of public instruction shall both:

1.  Post the model curriculum developed under subsection A of this section on the superintendent of public instruction's website. 

2.  Periodically update the model curriculum developed under subsection A of this section to incorporate best practices in ethnic studies.

C.  Notwithstanding any other law, a public school that serves any combination of students in grades seven through twelve may offer an ethnic studies course that incorporates the model curriculum developed under subsection A of this section. END_STATUTE

Sec. 2.  Ethnic studies advisory committee; membership; duties; delayed repeal

A.  The superintendent of public instruction shall establish an ethnic studies advisory committee consisting of a majority of educators with experience in teaching ethnic studies from public high schools and institutions of higher education.

B.  The ethnic studies advisory committee shall do both of the following:

1.  Recommend to the superintendent of public instruction state learning standards and grade-level expectations that identify the knowledge and skills that all public school students need to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures.  Before recommending state learning standards and grade‑level expectations that meet the requirements of this subsection, the committee shall review best practices in ethnic studies.

2.  Advise, assist and make recommendations to the superintendent of public instruction regarding the development of the model ethnic studies curriculum required pursuant to section 15-709, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act.

C.  This section is repealed from and after June 30, 2022.