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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
Asian American history; instruction requirements
Purpose
Requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to require instruction on the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in common schools and high schools beginning in the 2028-2029 school year.
Background
The SBE must
prescribe a minimum course of study, academic standards and competency
requirements for common schools and high schools. The SBE-prescribed competency
requirements must include the academic standards in at least the areas of
reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies as adopted by the
SBE. A school district governing board must prescribe curricula according to
the SBE-prescribed academic standards and approve courses of study, units that
are recommended for credit and instructional materials (A.R.S. ยงยง 15-701;
15-701.01;
15-721;
and 15-722).
The Arizona Department of Education's (ADE's) website provides optional instructional resources for local education agencies by grade level on certain topics, including Asian American Pacific Islander history (ADE).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Directs the SBE, in adopting the course of study and competency requirements for common schools and high schools, to require instruction on the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, beginning in the 2028-2029 school year.
2. Requires a school district or charter school, when developing or planning the required instruction, to consider:
a) the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Arizona, the surrounding region and the United States;
b) contributions by Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities and individuals related to the advancement of civil rights from the 19th century to the present day;
c) contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander individuals in the arts, humanities, science and government; and
d) the contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities and individuals to the economic, cultural, social and political development of the United States.
3. Directs ADE, by June 14, 2029, and each year thereafter, to annually require each school district and charter school to attest that the required instruction is planned, ongoing and systematic.
4. Defines Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders as Americans of East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 10, 2025
MH/KK/ci