Assigned to ED                                                                                                                       FOR COMMITTEE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First Regular Session

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2241

schools; instruction; Holocaust; genocides

Purpose

            Requires information about the Holocaust and other genocides to be taught at least twice between grades 7 and 12.

Background

            A school district governing board (governing board) prescribes curricula that include academic standards as prescribed by the State Board of Education (SBE) for the graduation of students from high school. Governing boards must also prescribe criteria that include academic standards in at least reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, as determined by district assessment. Other criteria may include additional measures of academic achievement and attendance (A.R.S. § 15-701).

            The SBE establishes 22 credits as the minimum number of credits necessary for high school graduation. This includes: 1) 4 credits of English or English as a Second Language; 2) 3 credits of social studies; 3) 4 credits of mathematics; 4) 3 credits of science; 5) 1 credit in the arts or career and technical education and vocational education; 6) 7 credits of additional courses prescribed by the local district board (A.A.C. § R7-2-302).

            Current SBE-adopted course of study and competency requirements include a requirement that students receive instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides at least once in either grade 7 or grade 8. Additionally, one credit of world history that includes instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides is required by the SBE for high school graduation (A.A.C. §§ R7-2-301 and R7-2-302).

            There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Directs the SBE to include a requirement that students be taught about the Holocaust and other genocides at least twice between grades 7 and 12 in adopted course of study and competency requirements.

2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.

House Action

ED                   1/26/21      DP       10-0-0-0

3^rd Read          2/4/21                    59-0-0-0-1

Prepared by Senate Research

February 26, 2021

JO/JP/gs