BILL NUMBER: SB 234 AMENDED
BILL TEXT
AMENDED IN SENATE MAY 6, 2009
AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 13, 2009
INTRODUCED BY Senator Wyland
( Coauthor: Senator Romero
)
FEBRUARY 24, 2009
An act to amend Section 51225.3 of add
Section 33543 to the Education Code, relating to curriculum.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 234, as amended, Wyland. Curriculum: history-social
science curriculum framework: oral histories: genocide.
Existing law provides that there is in the state government the
Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission to study
problems of courses of study in the schools of the state and, upon
request of the State Board of Education, recommend the adoption of
minimum standards for courses of study in preschool, kindergarten,
elementary, and secondary schools. Existing law also requires the
commission to recommend curriculum frameworks to the state board.
This bill would require the commission to consider and vote on
whether to include an oral history component specifically related to
genocides in the proposed changes to the 2014 history-social science
curriculum framework as part of its regular process of developing and
revising curriculum frameworks as requested by the state board.
(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 world history,
culture, and geography, without exposure in that course to an oral
history component, as defined, specifically related to genocides, as
specified. 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 no .
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 33543 is added to the
Education Code , to read:
33543. As part of its regular process of developing and revising
curriculum frameworks as requested by the state board, the commission
shall consider and vote on whether to include an oral history
component specifically related to genocides, including, but not
limited to, the Darfur, Rwandan, Cambodian, Jewish Holocaust, or
Armenian genocides in the proposed changes to the 2014 history-social
science curriculum framework. As used in this section, "oral history
component" includes, but is not necessarily limited to, in-person
testimony, video, or a multimedia option, such as a DVD or online
video.
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 world history, culture, and
geography, without exposure to an oral history component in that
course, specifically related to genocides, including, but not limited
to, the Darfur, Rwandan, Cambodian, Jewish Holocaust, or Armenian
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, such as a DVD or online
video.
(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.