BILL NUMBER: AB 700 INTRODUCED
BILL TEXT
INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Gomez
FEBRUARY 21, 2013
An act to amend Sections 51220 and 51225.3 of, and to add Section
51226.8 to, the Education Code, relating to pupil instruction.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 700, as introduced, Gomez. Pupil instruction: social sciences:
voter education.
(1) Existing law requires instruction in social sciences for
grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to provide a foundation for understanding
the history, resources, development, and government of California and
the United States of America. Existing law also specifies coursework
to be completed by pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to
receive a high school diploma of graduation, including a one-semester
course in American government and civics.
This bill, commencing with the 2014-15 school year, would require
instruction in the social sciences in grade 8 and in any of grades 9
to 12, inclusive, and the one-semester course in American government
and civics that is required for high school graduation, to include a
voter education component providing instruction in how to register
and cast votes in local, state, and federal elections, and how to use
the voter information pamphlet and other materials to become an
informed voter. To the extent that these requirements would impose
new duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a
state-mandated local program.
The bill would require the State Department of Education, on or
before July 1, 2014, to develop and adopt a model curriculum
framework for the voter education component in social studies classes
to be implemented, pursuant to the bill, commencing with the 2014-15
school year.
(2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse
local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the
state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that
reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates
determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state,
reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these
statutory provisions.
Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: yes.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 51220 of the Education Code is amended to read:
51220. The adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive,
shall offer courses in the following areas of study:
(a) English, including knowledge of and appreciation for
literature, language, and composition, and the skills of reading,
listening, and speaking.
(b) Social sciences, drawing upon the disciplines of anthropology,
economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and
sociology, designed to fit the maturity of the pupils. Instruction
shall provide a foundation for understanding the history, resources,
development, and government of California and the United States of
America; instruction in our American legal system, the operation of
the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems, and the rights and
duties of citizens under the criminal and civil law and the State and
Federal Constitutions; in grade 8 and in any of grades 9 to 12,
inclusive, commencing with the 2014-15 school year, a voter
education component providing instruction in how to register and cast
votes in local, state, and federal elections, and how to use the
voter information pamphlet and other materia ls to become
an informed voter; the development of the American economic
system, including the role of the entrepreneur and labor; the
relations of persons to their human and natural environment; eastern
and western cultures and civilizations; human rights issues, with
particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide,
slavery, and the Holocaust, and contemporary issues.
(c) Foreign language or languages, beginning not later than grade
7, designed to develop a facility for understanding, speaking,
reading, and writing the particular language.
(d) Physical education, with emphasis given to physical activities
that are conducive to health and to vigor of body and mind, as
required by Section 51222.
(e) Science, including the physical and biological aspects, with
emphasis on basic concepts, theories, and processes of scientific
investigation and on the place of humans in ecological systems, and
with appropriate applications of the interrelation and
interdependence of the sciences.
(f) Mathematics, including instruction designed to develop
mathematical understandings, operational skills, and insight into
problem-solving procedures.
(g) Visual and performing arts, including dance, music, theater,
and visual arts, with emphasis upon development of aesthetic
appreciation and the skills of creative expression.
(h) Applied arts, including instruction in the areas of consumer
and homemaking education, industrial arts, general business
education, or general agriculture.
(i) Career technical education designed and conducted for the
purpose of preparing youth for gainful employment in the occupations
and in the numbers that are appropriate to the personnel needs of the
state and the community served and relevant to the career desires
and needs of the pupils.
(j) Automobile driver education, designed to develop a knowledge
of the provisions of the Vehicle Code and other laws of this state
relating to the operation of motor vehicles, a proper acceptance of
personal responsibility in traffic, a true appreciation of the
causes, seriousness and consequences of traffic accidents, and to
develop the knowledge and attitudes necessary for the safe operation
of motor vehicles. A course in automobile driver education shall
include education in the safe operation of motorcycles.
(k) Other studies as may be prescribed by the governing board.
SEC. 2. Section 51225.3 of the Education Code, as amended by
Section 3 of Chapter 621 of the Statutes of 2011, is amended to read:
51225.3. (a) A pupil shall complete all of the following while in
grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of
graduation from high school:
(1) At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects
specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless
otherwise specified:
(A) Three courses in English.
(B) Two courses in mathematics.
(C) Two courses in science, including biological and physical
sciences.
(D) Three courses in social studies, including United States
history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a
one-semester course in American government and civics ,
including, commencing with the 2014-15 school year, a voter education
component providing instruction in how to register and cast votes in
local, state, and federal elections, and how to use the voter
information pamphlet and other materials to become an informed voter
; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E) One course in visual or performing arts, foreign language, or,
commencing with the 2012-13 school year, career technical education.
(i) For purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this
subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a
course in foreign language.
(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, "a course in career
technical education" means a course in a district-operated career
technical education program that is aligned to the career technical
model curriculum standards and framework adopted by the state board,
including courses through a regional occupational center or program
operated by a county superintendent of schools or pursuant to a joint
powers agreement.
(iii) This subparagraph does not require a school or school
district that currently does not offer career technical education
courses to start new career technical education programs for purposes
of this section.
(iv) If a school district or county office of education elects to
allow a career technical education course to satisfy the requirement
imposed by this subparagraph, the governing board of the school
district or county office of education, prior to
before offering that alternative to pupils, shall notify
parents, teachers, pupils, and the public at a regularly scheduled
meeting of the governing board of all of the following:
(I) The intent to offer career technical education courses to
fulfill the graduation requirement specified in this subparagraph.
(II) The impact that offering career technical education courses,
pursuant to this subparagraph, will have on the availability of
courses that meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the
California State University and the University of California, and
whether the career technical education courses to be offered pursuant
to this subparagraph are approved to satisfy those eligibility
requirements. If a school district elects to allow a career technical
education course to satisfy the requirement imposed by this
subparagraph, the school district shall comply with subdivision (m)
of Section 48980.
(III) The distinction, if any, between the high school graduation
requirements of the school district or county office of education,
and the eligibility requirements for admission to the California
State University and the University of California.
(F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been
exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code.
(2) Other coursework requirements adopted by the governing board
of the school district.
(b) The governing board, with the active involvement of parents,
administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means
for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study that may
include practical demonstration of skills and competencies,
supervised work experience or other outside school experience, career
technical education classes offered in high schools, courses offered
by regional occupational centers or programs, interdisciplinary
study, independent study, and credit earned at a postsecondary
educational institution. Requirements for graduation and
specified alternative modes for completing the prescribed course of
study shall be made available to pupils, parents, and the public.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, a school district shall exempt
a pupil in foster care from all coursework and other requirements
adopted by the governing board of the district that are in addition
to the statewide coursework requirements specified in this section if
the pupil, while he or she is in grade 11 or 12, transfers into the
district from another school district or between high schools within
the district, unless the district makes a finding that the pupil is
reasonably able to complete the additional requirements in time to
graduate from high school while he or she remains eligible for foster
care benefits pursuant to state law. A school district shall notify
a pupil in foster care who is granted an exemption pursuant to this
subdivision, and, as appropriate, the person holding the right to
make educational decisions for the pupil, if any of the requirements
that are waived will affect the pupil's ability to gain admission to
a postsecondary educational institution and shall provide information
about transfer opportunities available through the California
Community Colleges.
(d) On or before July 1, 2017, the department shall submit a
comprehensive report to the appropriate policy committees of the
Legislature on the addition of career technical education courses to
satisfy the requirement specified in subparagraph (E) of paragraph
(1) of subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, the following
information:
(1) A comparison of the pupil enrollment in career technical
education courses, foreign language courses, and visual and
performing arts courses for the 2005-06 to 2011-12 school years,
inclusive, to the pupil enrollment in career technical education
courses, foreign language courses, and visual and performing arts
courses for the 2012-13 to 2016-17 school years, inclusive.
(2) The reasons, reported by school districts, that pupils give
for choosing to enroll in a career technical education course to
satisfy the requirement specified in subparagraph (E) of paragraph
(1) of subdivision (a).
(3) The type and number of career technical education courses that
were conducted for the 2005-06 to 2011-12 school years, inclusive,
compared to the type and number of career technical education courses
that were conducted for the 2012-13 to 2016-17 school years,
inclusive.
(4) The number of career technical education courses that
satisfied the subject matter requirements for admission to the
University of California or the California State University.
(5) The extent to which the career technical education courses
chosen by pupils are aligned with the California Career Technical
Education Standards, and prepare pupils for employment, advanced
training, and postsecondary education.
(6) The number of career technical education courses that also
satisfy the visual and performing arts requirement, and the number of
career technical education courses that also satisfy the foreign
language requirement.
(7) Annual pupil dropout and graduation rates for the 2011-12 to
2014-15 school years, inclusive.
(e) For purposes of completing the report described in subdivision
(d), the Superintendent may use existing state resources and federal
funds. If state or federal funds are not available or sufficient,
the Superintendent may apply for and accept grants, and receive
donations and other financial support from public or private sources
for purposes of this section.
(f) For purposes of completing the report described in subdivision
(d), the Superintendent may accept support, including, but not
limited to, financial and technical support, from high school reform
advocates, teachers, chamber organizations, industry representatives,
research centers, parents, and pupils.
(g) This section shall become inoperative on the earlier of the
following two dates:
(1) On July 1, immediately following the first fiscal year after
the enactment of the act that adds this paragraph in which the number
of career technical education courses that, as determined by the
department, satisfy the foreign language requirement for admission to
the California State University and the University of California is
at least twice the number of career technical education courses that
meet these admission requirements as of January 1, 2012. This section
shall be repealed on the following January 1, unless a later enacted
statute, that becomes operative on or before that date, deletes or
extends the dates on which it becomes inoperative and is repealed. It
is the intent of the Legislature that new career technical education
courses that satisfy the foreign language requirement for admission
to the California State University and the University of California
focus on world languages aligned with career preparation, emphasizing
real-world application and technical content in related career and
technical education courses.
(2) On July 1, 2017, and, as of January 1, 2018, is repealed,
unless a later enacted statute, that becomes operative on or before
January 1, 2018, deletes or extends the dates on which it becomes
inoperative and is repealed.
SEC. 3. Section 51225.3 of the Education Code, as added by Section
4 of Chapter 621 of the Statutes of 2011, is amended to read:
51225.3. (a) A pupil shall complete all of the following while in
grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of
graduation from high school:
(1) At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects
specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless
otherwise specified:
(A) Three courses in English.
(B) Two courses in mathematics.
(C) Two courses in science, including biological and physical
sciences.
(D) Three courses in social studies, including United States
history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a
one-semester course in American government and civics ,
including, commencing with the 2014-15 school year, a voter education
component providing instruction in how to register and cast votes in
local, state, and federal elections, and how to use the voter
information pamphlet and other materials to become an informed voter
; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E) One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language.
For purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this
subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a
course in foreign language.
(F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been
exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code.
(2) Other coursework requirements adopted by the governing board
of the school district.
(b) The governing board, with the active involvement of parents,
administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means
for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study that may
include practical demonstration of skills and competencies,
supervised work experience or other outside school experience, career
technical education classes offered in high schools, courses offered
by regional occupational centers or programs, interdisciplinary
study, independent study, and credit earned at a postsecondary
educational institution. Requirements for graduation and
specified alternative modes for completing the prescribed course of
study shall be made available to pupils, parents, and the public.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, a school district shall exempt
a pupil in foster care from all coursework and other requirements
adopted by the governing board of the district that are in addition
to the statewide coursework requirements specified in this section if
the pupil, while he or she is in grade 11 or 12, transfers into the
district from another school district or between high schools within
the district, unless the district makes a finding that the pupil is
reasonably able to complete the additional requirements in time to
graduate from high school while he or she remains eligible for foster
care benefits pursuant to state law. A school district shall notify
a pupil in foster care who is granted an exemption pursuant to this
subdivision, and, as appropriate, the person holding the right to
make educational decisions for the pupil, if any of the requirements
that are waived will affect the pupil's ability to gain admission to
a postsecondary educational institution and shall provide information
about transfer opportunities available through the California
Community Colleges.
(d) If a pupil completed a career technical education course that
met the requirements of subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) of
subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3, as amended by the act adding this
section, prior to before the
inoperative date of that section, that course shall be deemed to
fulfill the requirements of subparagraph (E) of paragraph (1) of
subdivision (a) of this section.
(e) This section shall become operative upon the date that Section
51225.3, as amended by the act adding this section, becomes
inoperative.
SEC. 4. Section 51226.8 is added to the Education Code, to read:
51226.8. On or before July 1, 2014, the department shall develop
and adopt a model curriculum framework for a voter education
component in social studies classes to be implemented commencing with
the 2014-15 school year in accordance with subdivision (b) of
Section 51220 and subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) of subdivision
(a) of Section 51225.3.
SEC. 5. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this
act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local
agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant
to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of
the Government Code.