This bill is about ensuring that Black history and cultural studies are integrated into the curriculum for public schools in Colorado. Here's what it means:
State Board of Education Standards: By July 1, 2026, the State Board of Education must establish educational standards for teaching Black history and cultural studies in elementary and secondary schools.
Implementation in Schools: Starting with the 2028-2029 school year, all public schools in Colorado must include these standards in their curriculum.
Advisory Committee:
A Black Historical and Cultural Studies Advisory Committee will be created within the Department of Education.
This committee will recommend standards, teaching materials, and provide technical help to schools as they implement these standards.
The focus is on providing age-appropriate, factual education about the struggles and contributions of Black Americans in various fields (such as science, arts, politics, and more).
Resource Bank:
The Department of Education will use the committee's recommendations to create a collection of research-based articles, educational materials, and curricula.
This resource bank will help teachers access reliable, high-quality materials for teaching Black history and culture.
In short, this bill aims to provide a more inclusive education that highlights the important role of Black Americans in history and culture, while also giving schools the support and resources they need to teach these topics effectively.
Summary
The bill requires the state board of education to adopt standards
related to Black historical and cultural studies (standards) on or before July 1, 2026. For school years beginning on or after July 1, 2028, local education providers shall incorporate the standards into courses for public elementary and secondary school students in the state.
The bill creates the Black historical and cultural studies advisory committee (committee) in the department of education (department) to recommend standards and related materials and to contribute technical assistance at the request of local education providers implementing the standards. The committee's recommendations must advance developmentally appropriate but comprehensive instruction that features factual accounts of the struggles and contributions of Black Americans in all fields of endeavor.
Using the committee's recommendations, the department shall
create and maintain a resource bank of research-based, scholarly articles and promising program materials and curricula pertaining to Black historical and cultural studies.
