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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
history of communism; instruction requirement
Purpose
Expands the high school social studies academic standards requirements relating to comparative politics by including instruction on specified topics regarding communism.
Background
The State Board
of Education (SBE) must prescribe a minimum course of study, academic standards
and competency requirements for common schools and high schools. The
SBE-prescribed high school social studies academic standards must include: 1)
personal finance; 2) American civics education; and 3) a comparative discussion
of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict
with the principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to the founding
principles of the United States. A school district governing board must
prescribe curricula that includes the academic standards prescribed by the SBE
(A.R.S.
ยงยง 15-701
and 15-701.01).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Expands the high school social studies academic standards requirements relating to comparative politics by including instruction on:
a) the history of communism in the United States and domestic communist movements, including the history and tactics employed during each movement;
b) the atrocities committed in foreign countries by communist regimes and proponents of communism;
c) the increasing threat of communism in the United States and in countries that are or were allied with the United States during the 20th and 21st centuries, including the Cultural Revolution in the People's Republic of China and other mass killings committed by communist regimes;
d) the economic, industrial and political events that have preceded or anticipated historical communist revolutions; and
e) the communist policies of Cuba and the spread of communist ideologies throughout Latin America, including the roots of the Communist Party of Cuba and guerilla forces throughout Latin America.
2. Specifies that the instruction on comparative politics must be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate.
3. Allows the SBE, in adopting the required instruction, to consult with:
a) individuals who were victims of communism; and
b) state or nationally recognized organizations that are dedicated to the victims of communism.
4. Makes conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 27, 2025
MH/KK/ci