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SB 6275

Identifying African American studies curricula for students in grades seven through 12.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Hunt and 11 co-sponsors

OSPI forms a workgroup to identify AA studies curricula for grades 7-12, report options by Dec 1, 2024; temporary pilot ending Aug 1, 2025, impacting districts, teachers, students.

First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.
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Bill Summary · SB 6275

Summary of SB 6275 (Identifying African American Studies Curricula for Grades 7–12)

Overview

SB 6275, introduced January 18, 2024, is a Washington state bill in the first reading that would create a temporary framework to identify and evaluate African American studies curricula and instructional materials for students in grades seven through twelve. The bill emphasizes that African American studies is an interdisciplinary field essential to a comprehensive, multicultural education and to improving student engagement, identity, and sense of belonging.

Purpose and intent

  • Recognize African American studies as a vital component of American history and a multidimensional, asset-based educational program.
  • Build readiness to integrate African American history, examinations of racism, and civil rights history into the state’s social studies curriculum for grades 7–12.
  • Direct the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to identify curricula used in high schools and colleges nationwide and report back to the Legislature with options for Washington schools to adopt.

Key provisions

  • Sec. 1 (Findings and intent)

    • Affirms that African American contributions and history are American history.
    • Notes prior 2020–2021 legislative efforts to develop definitions, frameworks, and professional development for AA studies in grades 7–12.
    • Establishes goal that WA public schools select a curriculum from identified options to offer AA studies to grades 7–12.

  • Sec. 2 (OSPI work group; identification of curricula)

    • OSPI must convene a work group to identify African American studies curricula and other instructional methods/materials for grades 7–12.
    • The group must review prior related work (report funded under 2021 legislation), connect with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and survey AA studies courses/programs at high schools and colleges.
    • Mandatory members include representatives from:
    • Washington State Commission on African American Affairs
    • Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee
    • Statewide teachers’ organization
    • Statewide principals’ organization
    • Educational service district with the most students
    • Community education group
    • Faith-based organization
    • National Urban League
    • National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
    • Additional required participants:
    • A dean of education from a state higher education institution
    • A student leader from a public middle or high school
    • A family member/guardian active in school leadership
    • By December 1, 2024, OSPI must report to the Legislature with:
    • A summary of workgroup activities
    • The list of identified AA studies curricula and other instructional materials for grades 7–12

  • Sec. 2 (Continued) Expiration

    • This section includes an expiration date of August 1, 2025.

  • Sec. 3

    • A placeholder or short section titled “Black education matters.” (contextual statement reinforcing the bill’s purpose.)

Who is affected

  • OSPI and state agencies involved in curriculum, standards, and professional development.
  • School districts, middle and high schools, and students in grades 7–12.
  • Educators, teachers, and school leaders who would implement any identified curricula.
  • Stakeholder organizations (e.g., teachers and principals associations, urban leagues, NAACP, Commission on African American Affairs, educational equity bodies, faith-based groups, and community organizations).
  • Higher education institutions, particularly their education deans and partners with HBCUs.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Introduced and first read on January 18, 2024; referred to the Early Learning & K-12 Education committee.
  • Work group would identify curricula and report back by December 1, 2024.
  • The new section expires on August 1, 2025, indicating a temporary study/identification process rather than a standing requirement.

Potential impact

  • Provides a mechanism for selecting a vetted set of African American studies curricula for statewide use in grades 7–12.
  • Encourages broad stakeholder input and collaboration with higher education and civil rights organizations.
  • Could influence professional development needs for educators and inform future implementation in school districts.
  • The expiration date suggests a pilot or limited-term study rather than an open-ended mandate.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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