Senate Bill 1026 mandates the development and implementation of a model curriculum on African American history for students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Wisconsin. The bill requires the state superintendent of public instruction to collaborate with various organizations to create this curriculum, which must include developmentally appropriate instruction on the history and contributions of African Americans, as well as tools for students to analyze historical events in the context of current events. Additionally, the bill stipulates that school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools must incorporate this curriculum into their social studies programs. To support these efforts, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will employ three education consultants to assist schools in updating their curricula.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new licensure requirements for teachers, stating that no teaching license will be granted unless the applicant has received instruction in African American history consistent with the model curriculum. The bill also renumbers and amends existing statutes to include these new requirements, ensuring that instruction in African American history is integrated into the broader educational framework. The fiscal implications include an increase in funding for the DPI to support the hiring of the education consultants necessary for the implementation of this curriculum.