Assembly Bill 1041 mandates the development of a model curriculum for 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 issues. 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 requirements for teaching licensure, stating that applicants must receive instruction in African American history consistent with the model curriculum before being granted a teaching license. It also renumbers and amends existing statutes to include these new provisions, ensuring that instruction in African American history is integrated into the social studies curriculum across all grade levels. The bill includes fiscal provisions to fund the education consultant positions and outlines the timeline for the implementation of these curriculum requirements.