The bill outlines the establishment and funding of the Genocide Education Grant program, as mandated by Chapter 98 of the Acts of 2021. This program aims to enhance the instruction of middle and high school students on the history of genocide through state budget line item 1595-0116. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is required to report annually on the progress of these education programs, detailing the number of hours of instruction, the grade levels involved, and the specific courses integrating genocide education. In FY2023, the Department awarded a total of $1,193,400 in grants to 39 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to support and expand their genocide education offerings.
The report highlights the various grade levels and courses where genocide education is being taught, with a focus on 10th and 11th grades. It notes that instruction is integrated into both required and elective courses, with significant emphasis on historical events such as the Holocaust, the Armenian genocide, and the Rwandan genocide. The report also indicates that while baseline data has been collected, further information regarding the impact of the grant activities on genocide instruction will be provided in future reports. The bill emphasizes the importance of equitable access to high-quality genocide education and encourages partnerships with relevant organizations to enhance learning experiences.