Executive Summary
Providing instruction on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander history in public schools
Background
Learning Standards
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is required to develop and periodically revise state learning standards that identify the knowledge and skills all public school students must know and be able to do.OSPI expects to begin reviewing the social studies learning standards between January and July 2026, with final adoption scheduled for January through July 2028.
Inclusive Curricula and Instructional Materials
In 2025, the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), in collaboration with OSPI, updated its model policy and procedure requiring school districts to adopt inclusive curricula and select diverse, equitable, inclusive, age‑appropriate instructional materials. These materials must reflect the histories, perspectives, and contributions of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. Beginning in 2015, school districts were required to incorporate curriculum about the history, culture, and government of the nearest federally recognized Indian tribe or tribes when reviewing or adopting social studies curriculum.Summary
Learning Standards Policy Requirements
By September 1, 2028, or after the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) adopts revised social studies learning standards—whichever occurs later—each school district must adopt a policy ensuring that instruction in Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black American history is included in one or more required social studies courses as part of the district’s regular curriculum review cycle. This policy must align with the revised social studies learning standards and with policies on inclusive curricula and instructional materials.Instructional Requirements
Beginning in the 2029‑30 school year, each school district must provide instruction in grades K–12 consistent with the district’s adopted policy, particularly when instructional topics align with existing frameworks of U.S. and Washington State history.Reporting Requirements
Beginning June 30, 2030, each school district must submit an annual report to the State Board of Education (SBE), OSPI, and the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). The report must confirm:-
- that the district is offering the instruction required under this section; and
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- that the program of instruction is planned, ongoing, and systematic.
Ways to Get Involved
Steps to Get Started
- Learn where the bill is in the legislative process.
- If there is an upcoming hearing, decide how you would like to get your voice heard and take action.
- If there is not an upcoming hearing, or if you want to supplement your advocacy, call or write your legislators.
- Spread the word and get other people on board.
Participating in a Hearing
Sign in Pro, Con, or Other
This is when individuals, advocates, and organizations make their position on a particular bill known for the record. This is particularly powerful in large numbers. Many organizations will send out Action Alerts asking people to sign in Pro or Con on a bill.
Submit Written Testimony
Submitting written testimony is a great way not only to make your position known to legislators but also to explain why in more detail. This is a good option if you don’t want to speak in front of others. People also like to offer more nuance to their position by writing.
Testify Virtually
Since COVID, many legislators are allowing remote/virtual testimony for bill hearings, as it greatly expands access to the legislative process across the state. For this, individuals usually have between 1-2 minutes to state their opinion on a bill in front of the legislative committee on Zoom.