HB 18-1276: Teaching Competent History In Public Schools

The bill mandates funding instruction in public schools of history and civil government of the United States and Colorado, including but not limited to the history, culture, and contributions of American Indians, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Current law requires school districts to convene community forums to discuss the content standards in history and civil government at least once every 10 years. The bill requires the forums to be held at least every 2 years. The history, culture, and civil government in education commission is established to make recommendations to the state board of education when the state board performs its scheduled 6-year review of education standards so those standards and programs accurately reflect the history, culture, and civil government of the United States and Colorado, including the contributions and influence of American Indians, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)  

CEA supports this bill because it would bring greater focus to culturally relevant curriculum and the inclusion of local voices of community, parents, and educators in providing input and guidance in the decisions made in schools and districts.