BILL NUMBER: SB 234	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Wyland

                        FEBRUARY 24, 2009

   An act to amend Section 51225.3 of the Education Code, relating to
curriculum.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 234, as introduced, Wyland. Curriculum: oral histories:
genocide.
   (1) Existing law requires each pupil completing grade 12 to
satisfy certain requirements as a condition of receiving a diploma of
graduation from high school. These requirements include the
successful passage of the high school exit examination and the
completion of designated coursework in grades 9 to 12, inclusive. The
coursework requirements include the completion of 3 courses in
social studies, including United States history and geography, world
history, culture, and geography, a one-semester course in American
government and civics, and a one-semester course in economics.
   This bill, commencing with the 2010-11 school year, would prohibit
a pupil from receiving credit for passing a course in United States
history and geography, or in world history, culture, and geography,
without exposure in that course to an oral history component, as
defined, specifically related to genocides. To the extent that school
districts would be required to provide a higher level of service in
order for pupils to meet this requirement, the bill would create a
state-mandated local program.
   (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 51225.3 of the Education Code is amended to
read:
   51225.3.  (a) Commencing with the 1988-89 school year, no pupil
shall receive a diploma of graduation from high school who, while in
grades 9 to 12, inclusive, has not completed all of the following:
   (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)  (i)    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, and a one-semester course in economics.
    (ii)     Commencing with the 2010-11 school
year, a pupil shall not receive credit for passing a course in
United States history and geography, or in world history, culture,
and geography, without exposure to an oral history component in that
course, specifically related to genocides. As used in this clause, "
  exposure to an oral history component" includes, but is
not necessarily limited to, in-person testimony, video, or a
multimedia option. 
   (E) One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language.
For the 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 as the governing board of the school district
may by rule specify.
   (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 which 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
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.
  SEC. 2.  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.