This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding school curricula, specifically by mandating the inclusion of ethnic studies in social studies courses. Currently, the law requires a minimum course of study that incorporates academic standards set by the state board of education, but the bill adds that these standards must specifically include ethnic studies. Additionally, it establishes an ethnic studies commission tasked with reviewing the contributions of diverse ethnic populations in the state and making recommendations for incorporating these studies into the academic standards.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the state board of education, which must submit proposed academic standards to the ethnic studies commission for review and consider various factors before finalizing these standards. By January 1, 2028, the board is required to prescribe academic standards that include ethnic studies and provide guidelines and professional development for teachers. The bill also mandates that starting in the 2028-2029 school year, all school districts and charter schools must implement curricula that reflect these standards, focusing on shared identity and cultural differences. The section will be repealed after December 31, 2030.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-701, 15-701.01, 15-751, 15-761, 15-704, 15-342