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Bill

SB 6314

Providing instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history in public schools.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hasegawa and 6 co-sponsors

Washington SB 6314 requires adopting AANHPI history standards by 2027 and K-12 instruction aligned to them starting 2028-29, with annual attestations beginning 2029.

First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.
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Bill Summary · SB 6314

Summary of SB 6314 (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Instruction)

Overview

  • Bill: SB 6314
  • Title: Providing instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history in public schools
  • Status: First reading; referred to the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
  • Introduced: February 2, 2024
  • Purpose: Establish learning standards and instructional requirements to incorporate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history into public school curricula in Washington state.

What the bill would do

  • Create new requirements within state law (two new sections added to RCW chapters 28A.655 and 28A.320) to formalize AANHPI history learning standards and classroom instruction.
  • Specifically, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) would be tasked with adopting AANHPI history learning standards as part of the state social studies standards and identifying curricula aligned to those standards.

Key Provisions

Sec. 1 – AANHPI history learning standards (RCW 28A.655)

  • By September 2027, OSPI must adopt AANHPI history learning standards integrated into the state social studies standards.
  • OSPI must identify available curricula and instructional materials aligned to these standards for use by school districts.

  • Scope of history included: AANHPI histories (including but not limited to East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent communities).

  • Topics to be included (at minimum):

    • Focus on the history of AANHPI groups at the state, regional, and national levels.
    • Contributions to civil rights from the 19th century to the present.
    • Notable individuals in government, arts, humanities, sciences.
    • AANHPI communities’ role in the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States.

Sec. 2 – Required instruction in K-12 (RCW 28A.320)

  • Beginning with the 2028–29 school year, school districts must provide instruction in K–12 on AANHPI history when the topic aligns with the social studies standards and appears in United States history and Washington state history courses.
  • Instruction must cover the topics identified in Sec. 1(2)(b) (the substantive topics listed above).
  • Districts may use OSPI-identified curricular resources or other appropriate public or private materials and resources, provided they align with state standards.
  • Districts may accept gifts, grants, and in-kind donations related to AANHPI history instruction.
  • Beginning in 2029, and annually thereafter, each district must attest to the State Board of Education that it is offering the required program of instruction and that the program is planned, ongoing, and systematic.

Implementation and Compliance Timeline

  • By September 2027: OSPI to adopt AANHPI history learning standards and identify aligned curricula/materials.
  • 2028–29 school year: Instruction on AANHPI history begins in K–12, when aligned with social studies standards and included in US and WA history coursework.
  • 2029 and annually afterward: Each school district must attest to the State Board of Education that it offers the mandated program and that it is ongoing and systematic.

Who is Affected

  • Primary: Public school districts (K–12) in Washington state, OSPI, and the State Board of Education.
  • Secondary: Teachers and curriculum developers, who will implement the standards and select or align instructional materials; students who will receive AANHPI history instruction; potential partners providing gifts/donations for program support.

Notes on Scope and Process

  • The bill adds new requirements to RCW chapters 28A.655 and 28A.320.
  • It emphasizes alignment with existing state standards (social studies, US history, WA history) and allows use of OSPI-identified resources.
  • The bill does not specify funding or penalties; it emphasizes standards development, curriculum alignment, district implementation, and annual attestations.

Bottom Line

SB 6314 would formalize the integration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history into Washington’s public school curriculum, establishing standards by 2027, mandating instruction beginning in 2028–29, and requiring annual program attestations starting in 2029. The measure aims to ensure systematic, standards-aligned instruction and the inclusion of AANHPI histories and contributions in K–12 education.

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

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