Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards and to determine the terms for the issuance and renewal of teaching credentials, certificates, and permits, as specified.

This bill would authorize the commission to convene a workgroup to advise the commission on the establishment of program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights for holders of a single subject teaching credential and would authorize the commission to add this recognition of study to the single subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the program standards established by the workgroup. The bill would make the commissions authority to convene the workgroup subject to a determination by the Department of Finance that private funds sufficient to support the workgroups activities have been deposited with the state. The bill would authorize the workgroup to perform specified other duties relating to genocide studies, including advising the Governor and the Legislature on strategies to improve genocide, human rights, and tolerance education and to promote genocide, atrocities, and human rights education.

Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards and to determine the terms for the issuance and renewal of teaching credentials, certificates, and permits, as specified.

This bill would authorize the commission to convene a workgroup to advise the commission on the establishment of program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities genocide, atrocities, and human rights for holders of a single subject teaching credential and would authorize the commission to add this recognition of study to the single subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the program standards established by the workgroup. The bill would make the commissions authority to convene the workgroup subject to a determination by the Department of Finance that private funds sufficient to support the workgroups activities have been deposited with the state. The bill would authorize the workgroup to perform specified other duties relating to genocide studies, including advising the Governor and the Legislature on strategies to improve genocide, human rights, and tolerance education and to promote genocide genocide, atrocities, and human rights education.

Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards and to determine the terms for the issuance and renewal of teaching credentials, certificates, and permits, as specified.

This bill would require authorize the commission to convene a workgroup to advise the commission on the establishment of program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities for holders of a single subject teaching credential and would authorize the commission to add this recognition of study to the single subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the program standards established by the workgroup. The bill would require authorize the workgroup to perform specified other duties relating to genocide studies, including advising the Governor and the Legislature on strategies to improve genocide, human rights, and tolerance education and to promote genocide education.

Existing law establishes the system of public elementary and secondary schools in this state. Existing law requires the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in social sciences, including instruction in human rights issues, with particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery, and the Holocaust. Existing law requires the State Department of Education to incorporate into publications that provide examples of curriculum resources for teacher use those materials that are age appropriate and consistent with subject frameworks on history and social science that deal with civil rights, human rights violations, genocide, slavery, and the Holocaust. Existing law also requires the Model Curriculum for Human Rights and Genocide adopted by the State Board of Education to be made available to schools in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, as soon as funding becomes available and the department to make the curriculum available on its Internet Web site.

This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would promote the accurate instruction of genocide in public elementary and secondary schools in this state.

GOVERNOR'S VETO

GV Bill Id:AB 1399

Author:(Nazarian)

As Enrolled Ver:September 15, 2017

2/3 vote

Original Committee Reference: ED.

SUMMARY: Establishes the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities and human rights to be added to a single subject teaching credential.

The Senate amendments:

1. Change the name to the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights.
2. Specify that the higher education members of the workgroup, to the extent practicable, shall have an academic interest or prior experience in preparing teachers to teach pupils in genocide, atrocities, and human rights.
3. Specify that it is the intent of the Legislature that a successful candidate for a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, as determined by the commission, based on the recommendations of the workgroup.
4. Specify that the commission shall use private funds to support the development of the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights; that General Fund moneys shall not be used for this purpose; and, the workgroup may be convened only after the Department of Finance determines that private funds, in an amount sufficient to fully support the activities of the workgroup, have been deposited with the state.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes the CTC to establish the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; authorizes the CTC to establish a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; and, specifies the Recognition of Study shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace as subject matter competence requirement and shall not be used in making employment decisions. (Education Code Section 44257.3)
2. Requires the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in the following areas of study: 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; 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. (Education Code Section 51220)

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.

COMMENTS: This bill authorizes the CTC to convene a workgroup and establish a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities and human rights for single subject credentialed teachers and specifies the workgroup may be convened only after the Department of Finance determines that private funds, in an amount sufficient to fully support the activities of the workgroup, have been deposited with the state.

According to the author, while the subjects of genocide and human atrocities are part of the California Department of Education's recently updated History-Social Science framework, more can be done to teach these important topics. Developing program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocides and human atrocities for those who hold single-subject teaching credentials and who will be teaching pupils in history-social science classes will allow teachers to expand their expertise in how to effectively teach genocide and human atrocities. In the past 150 years, tens of millions of men, women, and children have lost their lives in genocides or mass atrocities. California is home to the largest number of refugees and immigrants in the United States, many of whom are genocide survivors or descendants of genocide survivors. Equipping teachers with the tools to engage and educate students in genocide and human atrocities is critical for training up sensitive, socially-conscious individuals. Creating recognition of study will increase the number of teachers able to effectively teach genocide, and accomplish the goal of preparing generations of Californians to be engaged global citizens.

GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE:

This bill authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to develop program standards on the subject of genocide, atrocities and human rights.

The State Board of Education has already recognized the study of genocide and human rights in California's History-Social Science Framework. This framework specifically includes the subject of the Armenian Genocide.

In addition, the 2017 Budget Act includes $10 million of professional development and training for teachers, administrators and paraprofessionals on the Framework, which will include the Armenian Genocide.

Analysis Prepared by: Chelsea Kelley / ED. / (916) 319-2087 FN: 0002501

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 1399

Author:(Nazarian)

As Amended Ver:June 19, 2017

Majority vote

Original Committee Reference: ED.

SUMMARY: Establishes the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities and human rights to be added to a single subject teaching credential.

The Senate amendments:

1. Change the name to the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights.
2. Specify that the higher education members of the workgroup, to the extent practicable, shall have an academic interest or prior experience in preparing teachers to teach pupils in genocide, atrocities, and human rights.
3. Specify that it is the intent of the Legislature that a successful candidate for a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, as determined by the commission, based on the recommendations of the workgroup.
4. Specify that the commission shall use private funds to support the development of the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights; that General Fund moneys shall not be used for this purpose; and, the workgroup may be convened only after the Department of Finance determines that private funds, in an amount sufficient to fully support the activities of the workgroup, have been deposited with the state.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to establish the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; authorizes the CTC to establish a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; and, specifies the Recognition of Study shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace as subject matter competence requirement and shall not be used in making employment decisions. (Education Code Section 44257.3)
2. Requires the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in the following areas of study: 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; 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. (Education Code Section 51220)

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.

COMMENTS: This bill authorizes the CTC to convene a workgroup and establish a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities and human rights for single subject credentialed teachers and specifies the workgroup may be convened only after the Department of Finance determines that private funds, in an amount sufficient to fully support the activities of the workgroup, have been deposited with the state.

According to the author, while the subjects of genocide and human atrocities are part of the California Department of Education's recently updated History-Social Science framework, more can be done to teach these important topics. Developing program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocides and human atrocities for those who hold single-subject teaching credentials and who will be teaching pupils in history-social science classes will allow teachers to expand their expertise in how to effectively teach genocide and human atrocities. In the past 150 years, tens of millions of men, women, and children have lost their lives in genocides or mass atrocities. California is home to the largest number of refugees and immigrants in the United States, many of whom are genocide survivors or descendants of genocide survivors. Equipping teachers with the tools to engage and educate students in genocide and human atrocities is critical for training up sensitive, socially-conscious individuals. Creating recognition of study will increase the number of teachers able to effectively teach genocide, and accomplish the goal of preparing generations of Californians to be engaged global citizens.

Analysis Prepared by: Chelsea Kelley / ED. / (916) 319-2087 FN: 0001356

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 1399

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/12/17

AYES: Allen, Wilk, Galgiani, Leyva, Mendoza, Pan, Vidak

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/30/17 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a “recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights” for holders of a single subject teaching credential.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the CTC and vests the Commission with the power and duty to, among other things, establish professional standards, assessments, and examinations for entry and advancement in the education profession. (Education Code § 44225)
2. Establishes the minimum requirements for preliminary and clear teaching credentials for single subjects and for designated subjects career technical education. (EC § 44260 et. seq.)
3. Authorizes the CTC to establish the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning and to establish a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning, and specifies that the Recognition of Study shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace as subject matter competence requirement, and shall not be used in making employment decisions. (EC § 44257.3)
4. Requires the CTC, upon recommendation of the tribal government of a federally recognized Indian tribe in California to issue an American Indian language-culture credential to a candidate that meets certain requirements, including demonstrated fluency in that tribe’s language and/or knowledge in that tribe’s culture, based on an assessment developed and administered by that federally recognized Indian tribe, and specifies that the American Indian language-culture credential authorizes the holder to teach the American Indian language, or culture, or both, for which the credential was issued in California public schools in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and in adult education courses.
5. Requires the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in the social sciences, drawing upon the disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology, designed to fit the maturity of the pupils, and requires that instruction to include, among other things, particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery, and the Holocaust, and contemporary issues. (EC § 51220)
6. Encourages the department to incorporate into publications that provide examples of curriculum resources for teacher use those materials developed by publishers of nonfiction, trade books, and primary sources, or other public or private organizations, that are age appropriate and consistent with the subject frameworks on history and social science that deal with the Armenian, Cambodian, Darfur, and Rwandan genocides. (EC § 51226.3)
7. Encourages all of the following:
   1. Instruction in the origins of genocide as a phenomenon throughout history that continues to the present day.
   2. Content providers and teachers to promote pupil analysis of genocides, including the ethnic, religious, and political causes.
   3. Content providers and teachers to incorporate instructional materials for pupils that examine the possible means of preventing and halting genocide policies or interventions by the United Nations, other groups of nations, or the United States.
   4. Examinations of interventions to prevent genocides should include arguments and evidence for and against intervention, the role of public support for the intervention, and the possible consequences of such interventions.

This bill authorizes the CTC to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a “recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights” for holders of a single subject teaching credential. Specifically, this bill:

1. Defines "recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights" to mean a statement added to a single subject teaching credential to indicate that the holder of the single subject teaching credential has completed a commission-approved program that can be applied to the academic instruction authorized by his or her credential.
2. Authorizes a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights teacher education program may be offered as part of an initial teacher preparation program or as a separate program for teachers who possess a valid single subject teaching credential.
3. Authorizes the CTC to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights for holders of a single subject teaching credential, and specifies the workgroup may include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
   1. The Superintendent (SPI) or his or her representative.
   2. Representatives from approved teacher preparation programs, including at least one representative from the California Community Colleges, the California State University (CSU), the University of California, and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. To the extent practicable, the representatives shall have an academic interest or prior experience in preparing teachers to teach pupils in genocide, atrocities, and human rights.
   3. A researcher.
   4. A historian.
   5. A representative from a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school.
   6. A history-social science teacher.
   7. A representative of other organizations deemed appropriate by the commission.
   8. A parent representative.
4. Specifies the duties of the workgroup may also include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
   1. Advise the Governor and the Legislature on strategies to improve genocide, human rights, and tolerance education.
   2. Identify all programs in the state that train teachers in genocide, atrocities, and human rights studies.
   3. Identify all nonprofit organizations in the state that train teachers in genocide, atrocities, and human rights.
   4. Identify strategies for improving access to genocide, atrocities, and human rights education materials and information.
   5. Promote education on genocide, atrocities, and human rights.
5. Authorizes the CTC to add a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights to the single subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the established standards.
6. States that it is intent of the Legislature that a successful candidate for a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, as determined by the CTC, based on the recommendations of the workgroup.
7. Encourages the CSU and other teacher preparation institutions to establish goals to increase the number of teachers participating in genocide, atrocities, and human rights education programs.
8. Authorizes the CTC and the SPI to gather and post, on an appropriate Internet Web site, a list of nonprofit organizations and best practices from school districts and schools on curriculum development and professional development relating to implementing and sustaining genocide, atrocities, and human rights education programs.
9. Requires the CTC to use private funds to support the development of the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights, and prohibits the use of General Fund money for that purpose.
10. Prohibits the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights from being considered a type of authorization, from being used as a condition of employment, from replacing a subject matter competency requirement, and from being used in making employment decisions.
11. Specifies that workgroup may only be convened only after the Department of Finance (DOF) determines that private funds, in an amount sufficient to fully support the activities of the workgroup, have been deposited with the state.
12. Requires DOF, if it determines that sufficient funding has been secured to establish and support the activities of the workgroup, to file a written statement with the Secretary of the Senate, the Chief Clerk of the Assembly, and the Legislative Counsel memorializing that this determination has been made.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “While the subjects of genocide, atrocities, and human rights are part of the California Department of Education’s recently updated History-Social Science framework, more can be done to teach these important topics.

“Developing program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights for those who hold single-subject teaching credentials and who will be teaching pupils in history-social science classes will allow teachers to expand their expertise in how to effectively teach genocide, atrocities, and human rights.

“In the past 150 years, tens of millions of men, women, and children have lost their lives in genocides and mass atrocities. California is home to the largest number of refugees and immigrants in the United States, many of whom are genocide survivors or descendants of genocide survivors.

“Equipping teachers with the tools to engage and educate students in genocide, atrocities, and human rights is critical for training up sensitive, socially-conscious individuals. Creating a recognition of study will increase the number of teachers able to effectively teach genocide, and accomplish the goal of preparing generations of Californians to be engaged, global citizens.”

1. Previous emphasis/concentration programs. According to the CTC, a recognition of study is an approach that essentially replicates the foundational basis for previous CTC-authorized emphasis and concentration programs listed on a credential, even though someone without the emphasis or concentration could also provide the same service; examples include a Middle School Emphasis or Early Childhood Emphasis. Under that previous approach, an emphasis program was intended to provide a concentration of coursework and field experiences emphasizing one specific part of the preliminary multiple or single subject professional preparation program, which, at the time, had a one-year unit cap. Credential reform enacted in 1998 required all program sponsors to embed additional content into their program, including content related to English learners, which further limited the ability of a program to offer an emphasis within the one-year unit cap. That limit was extended to two years of units in 2014. It is the CTC’s current practice to list credential authorizations only when the authorization is necessary in order for the teacher or another credential holder to provide specified instruction or a specific service.

This bill prohibits the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights from being considered a type of authorization.

1. What is a recognition of study? According to the CTC, a recognition of study would provide a CTC-issued confirmation that an individual has had more in-depth and/or specialized preparation within a specific topic addressed within their teacher preparation. According to CTC, it should be noted that a recognition of study would not provide any additional credential authorization to the holder beyond what the holder’s base credential already authorizes. It would serve primarily to indicate that an individual has in-depth knowledge in a particular area and/or instructional approach.

Additionally, according to the CTC, currently some of California’s teacher preparation programs issue their own specialized designations, including, for example, a “Certificate of Advanced Study in Middle-Level Education” at California State University, San Marcos, and a “Middle-Level Emphasis” at San Jose State University.

1. Previous attempts at establishing a recognition of study. AB 1304 (Block, Chapter 259, Statutes of 2011) authorized the CTC to establish a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning. When the CTC convened the working group, the working group made 40 recommendations, including those regarding the recognition of study. The CTC has prioritized those 40 recommendations and has begun implementing them in priority order. As such, the CTC has yet to implement the recognition of study in Linked Learning. In light of this workload issue, the committee may wish to consider whether the recognition of study in genocide should be an additional priority for the CTC.

Additionally, AB 1853 (Bonilla, 2012) would have authorized the CTC to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in transitional kindergarten for holders of a multiple subject teaching credential who will be teaching pupils enrolled in a transitional kindergarten program. AB 1853 was vetoed by the Governor with the following message:

“I am returning Assembly Bill 1853 without my signature. This bill would require the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to create a committee to do the preliminary work that would be required to create yet another teaching credential -- -- something we don't need.”

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/21/17)

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region

Genocide Education Project

Los Angeles Unified School District

One individual

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/21/17)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/30/17

AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Chau, Chen, Choi, Eggman

Prepared by:

8/22/17 16:01:09

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Benjamin Allen, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular

Bill No: AB 1399 Hearing Date: July 12, 2017

Subject: Teacher credentialing: recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a “recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights” for holders of a single subject teaching credential.

BACKGROUND

Existing law:

1) Establishes the CTC and vests the Commission with the power and duty to, among other things, establish professional standards, assessments, and examinations for entry and advancement in the education profession. (Education Code § 44225)

2) Establishes the minimum requirements for preliminary and clear teaching credentials for single subjects and for designated subjects career technical education. (EC § 44260 et. seq.)

3) Authorizes the CTC to establish the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning and to establish a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning, and specifies that the Recognition of Study shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace as subject matter competence requirement, and shall not be used in making employment decisions. (Education Code Section 44257.3)

4) Requires the CTC, upon recommendation of the tribal government of a federally recognized Indian tribe in California to issue an American Indian language-culture credential to a candidate that meets certain requirements, including demonstrated fluency in that tribe’s language and/or knowledge in that tribe’s culture, based on an assessment developed and administered by that federally recognized Indian tribe, and specifies that the American Indian language-culture credential authorizes the holder to teach the American Indian language, or culture, or both, for which the credential was issued in California public schools in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and in adult education courses.

5) Requires the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in the social sciences, drawing upon the disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology, designed to fit the maturity of the pupils, and requires that instruction to include, among other things, particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery, and the Holocaust, and contemporary issues. (EC § 51220)

6) Encourages the department to incorporate into publications that provide examples of curriculum resources for teacher use those materials developed by publishers of nonfiction, trade books, and primary sources, or other public or private organizations, that are age appropriate and consistent with the subject frameworks on history and social science that deal with the Armenian, Cambodian, Darfur, and Rwandan genocides. (Education Code Section 51226.3)

7) Encourages all of the following:

(a) Instruction in the origins of genocide as a phenomenon throughout history that continues to the present day.

(b) Content providers and teachers to promote pupil analysis of genocides, including the ethnic, religious, and political causes.

(c) Content providers and teachers to incorporate instructional materials for pupils that examine the possible means of preventing and halting genocide policies or interventions by the United Nations, other groups of nations, or the United States.

(d) Examinations of interventions to prevent genocides should include arguments and evidence for and against intervention, the role of public support for the intervention, and the possible consequences of such interventions.

ANALYSIS

This bill authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a “recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights” for holders of a single subject teaching credential. Specifically, this bill:

1) Defines "recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights" to mean a statement added to a single subject teaching credential to indicate that the holder of the single subject teaching credential has completed a commission-approved program that can be applied to the academic instruction authorized by his or her credential.

2) Authorizes a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights teacher education program may be offered as part of an initial teacher preparation program or as a separate program for teachers who possess a valid single subject teaching credential.

3) Authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights for holders of a single subject teaching credential, and specifies the workgroup may include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

a) The Superintendent (SPI) or his or her representative.

b) Representatives from approved teacher preparation programs, including at least one representative from the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. To the extent practicable, the representatives shall have an academic interest or prior experience in preparing teachers to teach pupils in genocide, atrocities, and human rights.

c) A researcher.

d) A historian.

e) A representative from a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school.

f) A history-social science teacher.

g) A representative of other organizations deemed appropriate by the commission.

h) A parent representative.

3) Specifies the duties of the workgroup may also include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

a) Advise the Governor and the Legislature on strategies to improve genocide, human rights, and tolerance education.

b) Identify all programs in the state that train teachers in genocide, atrocities, and human rights studies.

c) Identify all nonprofit organizations in the state that train teachers in genocide, atrocities, and human rights.

d) Identify strategies for improving access to genocide, atrocities, and human rights education materials and information.

e) Promote education on genocide, atrocities, and human rights.

4) Authorizes the commission to add a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights to the single subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the established standards.

5) States that it is intent of the Legislature that a successful candidate for a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, as determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), based on the recommendations of the workgroup.

6) Encourages the California State University and other teacher preparation institutions to establish goals to increase the number of teachers participating in genocide, atrocities, and human rights education programs.

7) Authorizes the CTC and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to gather and post, on an appropriate Internet Web site, a list of nonprofit organizations and best practices from school districts and schools on curriculum development and professional development relating to implementing and sustaining genocide, atrocities, and human rights education programs.

8) Requires the CTC to use private funds to support the development of the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights, and prohibits the use of General Fund money for that purpose.

9) Prohibits the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights from being considered a type of authorization, from being used as a condition of employment, from replacing a subject matter competency requirement, and from being used in making employment decisions.

10) Specifies that workgroup may only be convened only after the Department of Finance (DOF) determines that private funds, in an amount sufficient to fully support the activities of the workgroup, have been deposited with the state.

11) Requires DOF, if it determines that sufficient funding has been secured to establish and support the activities of the workgroup, to file a written statement with the Secretary of the Senate, the Chief Clerk of the Assembly, and the Legislative Counsel memorializing that this determination has been made.

STAFF COMMENTS

1) Need for the bill. According to the author, “While the subjects of genocide, atrocities, and human rights are part of the California Department of Education’s recently updated History-Social Science framework, more can be done to teach these important topics.

Developing program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights for those who hold single-subject teaching credentials and who will be teaching pupils in history-social science classes will allow teachers to expand their expertise in how to effectively teach genocide, atrocities, and human rights.

In the past 150 years, tens of millions of men, women, and children have lost their lives in genocides and mass atrocities. California is home to the largest number of refugees and immigrants in the United States, many of whom are genocide survivors or descendants of genocide survivors.

Equipping teachers with the tools to engage and educate students in genocide, atrocities, and human rights is critical for training up sensitive, socially-conscious individuals. Creating a recognition of study will increase the number of teachers able to effectively teach genocide, and accomplish the goal of preparing generations of Californians to be engaged, global citizens.”

2) Previous emphasis/concentration programs. According to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), a recognition of study is an approach that essentially replicates the foundational basis for previous CTC-authorized emphasis and concentration programs listed on a credential, even though someone without the emphasis or concentration could also provide the same service; examples include a Middle School Emphasis or Early Childhood Emphasis. Under that previous approach, an emphasis program was intended to provide a concentration of coursework and field experiences emphasizing one specific part of the preliminary multiple or single subject professional preparation program, which, at the time, had a 1-year unit cap. Credential reform enacted in 1998 required all program sponsors to embed additional content into their program, including content related to English learners, which further limited the ability of a program to offer an emphasis within the 1-year unit cap. That limit was extended to two years of units in 2014. It is the CTC’s current practice to list credential authorizations only when the authorization is necessary in order for the teacher or another credential holder to provide specified instruction or a specific service.

This bill prohibits the recognition of study in genocide, atrocities, and human rights from being considered a type of authorization.

3) What is a recognition of study? According to the CTC, a recognition of study would provide a CTC-issued confirmation that an individual has had more in-depth and/or specialized preparation within a specific topic addressed within their teacher preparation. According to CTC, it should be noted that a recognition of study would not provide any additional credential authorization to the holder beyond what the holder’s base credential already authorizes. It would serve primarily to indicate that an individual has in-depth knowledge in a particular area and/or instructional approach.

Additionally, according to the CTC, currently some of California’s teacher preparation programs issue their own specialized designations, including, for example, a “Certificate of Advanced Study in Middle-Level Education” at California State University, San Marcos, and a “Middle-Level Emphasis” at San Jose State University.

4) Previous attempts at establishing a recognition of study. AB 1304 (Block, Chapter 259, Statutes of 2011) authorized the CTC to establish a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning. When the CTC convened the working group, the working group made 40 recommendations, including those regarding the recognition of study. The CTC has prioritized those 40 recommendations and has begun implementing them in priority order. As such, the CTC has yet to implement the recognition of study in Linked Learning. In light of this workload issue, the committee may wish to consider whether the recognition of study in genocide should be an additional priority for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Additionally, AB 1853 (Bonilla, 2012) would have authorized the CTC to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in transitional kindergarten for holders of a multiple subject teaching credential who will be teaching pupils enrolled in a transitional kindergarten program. AB 1853 was vetoed by the Governor with the following message:

“I am returning Assembly Bill 1853 without my signature. This bill would require the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to create a committee to do the preliminary work that would be required to create yet another teaching credential -- -- something we don't need.”

5) Proliferation of recognitions of study? Similarly to diploma seals, which this committee has reviewed three times since 2011 (biliteracy, STEM, and civic engagement) and specific curriculum framework requirements, which this committee has adopted a policy to discourage, the committee may wish to consider whether it will see similar measures to establish a recognition of study in other subject areas if it approves this measure.

The committee may also wish to consider the value of a recognition of study to a teacher candidate, given that the bill prohibits it from being used as a condition of employment or from being used in making employment decisions.

6) Previous Legislation. SB 1380 (Wyland, Chapter 441, Statutes of 2014) required the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) to consider including the Armenian Genocide in the next revision of the history/social science framework and specifically identifies the Armenian Genocide when encouraging the incorporation of oral testimony into the teaching of human rights and genocide.

SJR 21 (De León and Yee, Chapter 32, Statutes of 2014) designated and encouraged the people of California to commemorate the month of April 2014, as “California Month of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923,” and called upon the Congress and the President of the United States to act likewise and to formally and consistently recognize and reaffirm the historical truth that the atrocities committed against the Armenian people constituted genocide. The measure commended conscientious educators who teach about human rights and genocide. The measure called upon the President to work toward equitable, constructive, stable, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity, and called upon the Republic of Turkey to acknowledge the facts of the Armenian Genocide and to work toward a just resolution.

AJR 35 (Perez, Chapter 35, Statutes of 2014) designated the week of April 20 through 26, 2014, as “California Week of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923,” and would memorialize the Congress and the President of the United States to observe the California Week of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide by participating in the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Project.

AJR 41 (Ian Calderon, Chapter 41, Statutes of 2014) commended the extraordinary service delivered by Near East Relief to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and the Assyrian Genocide.

AB 659 (Nazarian, 2013) would have required the California Department of Education to include the Armenian Genocide in its published curriculum resources and encourages the incorporation of specific instances of genocide into existing curriculum, professional development activities, and in the next revision of the history/social science curriculum framework. AB 659 was held by this committee.

AB 1853 (Bonilla, 2012) would have authorized the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in transitional kindergarten for holders of a multiple subject teaching credential who will be teaching pupils enrolled in a transitional kindergarten program. AB 1853 was vetoed by the Governor.

AB 1304 (Block, Chapter 259, Statutes of 2011) established the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; authorized the CTC to established a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; and, specified the Recognition of Study shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace as subject matter competence requirement and shall not be used in making employment decisions.

SB 234 (Wyland, 2009) would have required the CTC to consider an oral history component specifically related to genocides, including but not limited to, the Darfur, Rwandan, Cambodian, Jewish Holocaust, or Armenian genocides in the history/social science curriculum. SB 234 died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

SB 424 (Poochigian, Chapter 9, Statutes of 2005) established April 24 of each year as the "California Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide" and the period beginning on the Sunday before that day through the following Sunday as the days of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.

ACR 116 (Yee, Chapter 114, Statutes of 2004) urged the State Board of Education to take action at the next instructional materials primary adoption cycle to ensure that history/social science textbooks used in California schools in grade 10 fairly and accurately portray human rights violations and other historical atrocities in a comprehensive manner.

SJR 1 (Poochigian, Chapter 18, Statutes of 2003) designated April 24, 2003, as the "California Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923" and requests Congress to likewise act to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

SUPPORT

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region

Genocide Education Project

Los Angeles Unified School District

An individual

OPPOSITION

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 1399

Author:(Nazarian)

As Amended Ver:April 18, 2017

Majority vote

SUMMARY: Establishes the recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities to be added to a single subject teaching credential. Specifically, this bill:

1. Defines "recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities" to mean a statement added to a single subject teaching credential to indicate that the holder of the single subject teaching credential has completed a commission-approved program that can be applied to the academic instruction authorized by his or her credential; and, specifies that a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities teacher education program may be offered as part of an initial teacher preparation program or as a separate program for teachers who possess a valid single subject teaching credential.
2. Authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocides and human atrocities for holders of a single subject teaching credential. Specifies the workgroup may include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
   1. The Superintendent (SPI) or his or her representative.
   2. Representatives from approved teacher preparation programs, including at least one representative from the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.
   3. A researcher.
   4. A historian.
   5. A representative from a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school.
   6. A history-social science teacher.
   7. A representative of other organizations deemed appropriate by the commission.
   8. A parent representative.
3. Specifies the duties of the workgroup may also include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
   1. Advise the Governor and the Legislature on strategies to improve genocide, human rights, and tolerance education.
   2. Identify all programs in the state that train teachers in genocide studies.
   3. Identify all nonprofit organizations in the state that train teachers in genocide studies.
   4. Identify strategies for improving access to genocide education materials and information.
   5. Promote education on genocide.
4. Authorizes the commission to add a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities to the single subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the standards established.
5. Specifies that the California State University (CSU) and other teacher preparation institutions are encouraged to establish goals to increase the number of teachers participating in genocide and human atrocities education programs.
6. Authorizes the commission and the Superintendent to gather and post, on an appropriate Internet Web site, a list of nonprofit organizations and best practices from school districts and schools on curriculum development and professional development relating to implementing and sustaining genocide and human atrocities education programs.
7. Specifies that a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace a subject matter competence requirement, and shall not be used in making employment decisions.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes the CTC to establish the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; authorizes the CTC to establish a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; and, specifies the Recognition of Study shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace as subject matter competence requirement and shall not be used in making employment decisions. (Education Code Section 44257.3)
2. Requires the adopted course of study for grades seven to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in the following areas of study: 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; 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. (Education Code Section 51220)

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

1. Approximately $100,000 General Fund in cost to the CTC to fully implement the intent of this bill. Convening a workgroup would require the inclusion of 10 different representatives with expertise and multiple meetings several times per year. The CTC would have to reimburse panel members for travel and accommodation costs. Minor staff time to compile and post information for nonprofits and best practices online is assumed.
2. Unknown cost to the CSU, as they are only encouraged to establish goals to increase the number of teachers participating in genocide and human atrocities education programs.

COMMENTS: This bill authorizes the CTC to convene a workgroup and establish a recognition of study in genocide for single subject credentialed teachers.

According to the author, while the subjects of genocide and human atrocities are part of the California Department of Education’s recently updated History-Social Science framework, more can be done to teach these important topics. Developing program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocides and human atrocities for those who hold single-subject teaching credentials and who will be teaching pupils in history-social science classes will allow teachers to expand their expertise in how to effectively teach genocide and human atrocities. In the past 150 years, tens of millions of men, women, and children have lost their lives in genocides or mass atrocities. California is home to the largest number of refugees and immigrants in the United States, many of whom are genocide survivors or descendants of genocide survivors. Equipping teachers with the tools to engage and educate students in genocide and human atrocities is critical for training up sensitive, socially-conscious individuals. Creating recognition of study will increase the number of teachers able to effectively teach genocide, and accomplish the goal of preparing generations of Californians to be engaged global citizens.

Demand for the Recognition of Study. It is unclear whether there will be demand for the recognition of study in genocide. One could assume that high school history teachers would be the most likely group of teachers that might apply for the recognition, but that isn't entirely clear.

Implementation Considerations. In 2011 the Legislature enacted the recognition of study in Linked Learning. When the CTC convened the working group, the working group made 40 recommendations, including those regarding the recognition of study. The CTC has prioritized those 40 recommendations and has begun implementing them in priority order. As such, the CTC has yet to implement the recognition of study in Linked Learning. In light of this workload issue, the Assembly should consider whether the recognition of study in genocide should be a priority for the CTC, or whether the CTC should continue their focus on improving teacher quality and teacher supply.

Analysis Prepared by: Chelsea Kelley / ED. / (916) 319-2087 FN: 0000721

Date of Hearing: May 3, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1399

Author:(Nazarian) – As Amended Ver:April 18, 2017

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish a workgroup to research and add the recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities a single subject teaching credential. Specifically, this bill:

1. Defines “recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities” to mean a statement added to a single subject teaching credential to indicate that the holder of the single subject teaching credential has completed a commission-approved program that can be applied to the academic instruction authorized by his or her credential.
2. Authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of recognition of study in genocides and human atrocities for holders of a single subject teaching credential.
3. Specifies the duties of the workgroup to include, but are not limited to the following: (a) advise the Governor and the Legislature on strategies to improve genocide, human rights, and tolerance education; (b) identify all programs in the state that train teachers in genocide studies; (c) identify all nonprofit organizations in the state that train teachers in genocide studies; (d) identify strategies for improving access to genocide education materials and information; and (e) promote education on genocide.
4. Authorizes the CTC to add a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities to the single subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the standards established.
5. Specifies that the California State University (CSU) and other teacher preparation institutions are encouraged to establish goals to increase the number of teachers participating in genocide and human atrocities education programs.
6. Authorizes the CTC and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to gather and post, on an appropriate Internet Web site, a list of nonprofit organizations and best practices from school districts and schools on curriculum development and professional development relating to implementing and sustaining genocide and human atrocities education programs.
7. Specifies that recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities shall not be considered a type of authorization, condition of employment, or replace a subject matter competence requirement in making employment decisions.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Approximately $100,000 General Fund in cost to the CTC to fully implement the intent of this bill. Convening a workgroup would require the inclusion of 10 different representatives with expertise and multiple meetings several times per year. The CTC would have to reimburse panel members for travel and accommodation costs. Minor staff time to compile and post information for nonprofits and best practices online is assumed.
2. Unknown cost to the CSU, as they are only encouraged to establish goals to increase the number of teachers participating in genocide and human atrocities education programs.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. This bill requires the CTC to convene a workgroup and establish a recognition of study in genocide for single subject credentialed teachers. According to the author, while the subjects of genocide and human atrocities are part of the California Department of Education’s recently updated History-Social Science framework, more can be done to teach these important topics. Developing program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocides and human atrocities for those who hold single-subject teaching credentials and who will be teaching pupils in history-social science classes will allow teachers to expand their expertise in how to effectively teach genocide and human atrocities. In the past 150 years, tens of millions of men, women, and children have lost their lives in genocides or mass atrocities. California is home to the largest number of refugees and immigrants in the United States, many of whom are genocide survivors or descendants of genocide survivors. Equipping teachers with the tools to engage and educate students in genocide and human atrocities is critical for training up sensitive, socially-conscious individuals. Creating recognition of study will increase the number of teachers able to effectively teach genocide, and accomplish the goal of preparing generations of Californians to be engaged global citizens.
2. Related Legislation. AB 1304 (Block), Chapter 259, Statutes of 2011, established the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; authorized the CTC to established a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; and, specified the Recognition of Study would not be considered a type of authorization, used as a condition of employment, or replace as subject matter competence requirement and not be used in making employment decisions.

AB 659 (Nazarian) of the 2013 Legislative Session was held in the Senate Education Committee. The bill would have required the CDE to include the Armenian Genocide in its published curriculum resources and encourages the incorporation of specific instances of genocide into existing curriculum, professional development activities, and in the next revision of the history/social science curriculum framework.

Analysis Prepared by: Daisy Gonzales / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 5, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Patrick O'Donnell, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1399 (

Author:Nazarian) – As Amended Ver:March 28, 2017

SUBJECT: Pupil instruction: genocide

SUMMARY: Establishes the recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities to be added to a single subject teaching credential. Specifically, this bill:

1. Defines “recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities” to mean a statement added to a single subject teaching credential to indicate that the holder of the single subject teaching credential has completed a commission-approved program that can be applied to the academic instruction authorized by his or her credential; and, specifies that a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities teacher education program may be offered as part of an initial teacher preparation program or as a separate program for teachers who possess a valid single subject teaching credential.
2. Requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocides and human atrocities for holders of a single subject teaching credential. Specifies the workgroup shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
   1. The Superintendent (SPI) or his or her representative.
   2. Representatives from approved teacher preparation programs, including at least one representative from the California Community Colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.
   3. A researcher.
   4. A historian.
   5. A representative from a school district, a county office of education, or a charter school.
   6. A history-social science teacher.
   7. A representative of other organizations deemed appropriate by the commission.
   8. A parent representative.
3. Specifies the duties of the workgroup shall also include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
   1. Advise the Governor and the Legislature on strategies to improve genocide, human rights, and tolerance education.
   2. Identify all programs in the state that train teachers in genocide studies.
   3. Identify all nonprofit organizations in the state that train teachers in genocide studies.
   4. Identify strategies for improving access to genocide education materials and information.
   5. Promote education on genocide.
4. Requires the workgroup to begin meeting on January 1, 2018.
5. Authorizes the commission to add a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities to the single subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the standards established.
6. Specifies that the California State University and other teacher preparation institutions are encouraged to establish goals to increase the number of teachers participating in genocide and human atrocities education programs.
7. Requires the commission and the Superintendent to gather and post, on an appropriate Internet Web site, a list of nonprofit organizations and best practices from school districts and schools on curriculum development and professional development relating to implementing and sustaining genocide and human atrocities education programs.
8. Specifies that a recognition of study in genocide and human atrocities shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace a subject matter competence requirement, and shall not be used in making employment decisions.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes the CTC to establish the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; authorizes the CTC to establish a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; and, specifies the Recognition of Study shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace as subject matter competence requirement and shall not be used in making employment decisions. (Education Code Section 44257.3)
2. Encourages the department to incorporate into publications that provide examples of curriculum resources for teacher use those materials developed by publishers of nonfiction, trade books, and primary sources, or other public or private organizations, that are age appropriate and consistent with the subject frameworks on history and social science that deal with the Armenian, Cambodian, Darfur, and Rwandan genocides. (Education Code Section 51226.3)
3. Requires the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in the following areas of study: 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; 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. (Education Code Section 51220)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS: This bill requires the CTC to convene a workgroup and establish a recognition of study in genocide for single subject credentialed teachers.

According to the author, while the subjects of genocide and human atrocities are part of the California Department of Education’s recently updated History-Social Science framework, more can be done to teach these important topics. Developing program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in genocides and human atrocities for those who hold single-subject teaching credentials and who will be teaching pupils in history-social science classes will allow teachers to expand their expertise in how to effectively teach genocide and human atrocities. In the past 150 years, tens of millions of men, women, and children have lost their lives in genocides or mass atrocities. California is home to the largest number of refugees and immigrants in the United States, many of whom are genocide survivors or descendants of genocide survivors. Equipping teachers with the tools to engage and educate students in genocide and human atrocities is critical for training up sensitive, socially-conscious individuals. Creating recognition of study will increase the number of teachers able to effectively teach genocide, and accomplish the goal of preparing generations of Californians to be engaged global citizens.

Background: As way of background, the following instances of genocide are currently mentioned in the Education Code:

The Armenian Genocide. The California Senate, in SB 424 (Poochigian), Chapter 9, Statutes of 2005, recognized the Armenian Genocide as a series of events occurring between 1915 and 1918 in which the rulers of the Ottoman Turkish Empire systematically exterminated its Armenian citizens. During this time, the rulers conducted massacres and forced labor of able bodied Armenian men. Additionally, the Ottoman Turkish rulers forced Armenian women, children, elderly, and infirm to march from their homeland to the Syrian Desert. Approximately 75% of those Armenian people on these marches died. Between 1 million and 1.5 million Armenian people were killed during this three year period.

The Genocide in Darfur. In 2003, Darfur, in the African Republic of Sudan, erupted in civil war and the Sudanese government supported the militia groups known as the Janjaweed. The Janjaweed began to systematically execute the people of Darfur through displacement, starvation, murder, torture, and rape. While the civil war officially came to an end in 2005, the conflict continues. More than 2 million people have been killed, with millions more displaced. In 2004, the United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, identified these attacks as genocide, though the International Security Council has disagreed and issued warrants against the former Sudanese and Janjaweed leaders for crimes against humanity, but refused to issue warrants for the charge of genocide.

The Genocide in Rwanda. The East-African state of Rwanda has been plagued by civil conflict between the majority Hutu and minority Tutsi people since 1959. In 1994, the Hutus engaged in a mass slaughter of the Tutsis during a 100 day period. Touted as an effort to re-enslave the Tutsi people, the Hutus systematically massacred people in their homes, schools, churches, and villages. Estimates of the death toll range from 500,000 to nearly 1.1 million Tutsi people.

The Genocide in Cambodia. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge took control over the war-ravaged country of Cambodia under the belief that the Cambodian people had been tainted by their exposure to the capitalist ideas of the West during the Vietnam War. In a mass slaughter, educated persons, Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims were specifically targeted, though no one was safe. The Khmer Rouge executed more than 1.7 million people before they were ousted by the Communist Vietnamese government in 1979.

Demand for the Recognition of Study. It is unclear whether there will be demand for the recognition of study in genocide. One could assume that high school history teachers would be the most likely group of teachers that might apply for the recognition, but that isn't entirely clear.

Implementation Considerations. In 2011 the Legislature enacted the recognition of study in Linked Learning. When the CTC convened the working group, the working group made 40 recommendations, including those regarding the recognition of study. The CTC has prioritized those 40 recommendations and has begun implementing them in priority order. As such, the CTC has yet to implement the recognition of study in Linked Learning. In light of this workload issue, the committee should consider whether the recognition of study in genocide should be a priority for the CTC, or whether the CTC should continue their focus on improving teacher quality and teacher supply.

Committee Amendments: The committee should consider the following amendments:

1. Conform the recognition of study in genocide with the recognition of study in Linked Learning by authorizing the CTC to establish the recognition of study, authorizing the CTC to convene a workgroup, and authorizing the CTC and SPI to gather and post information on an appropriate Internet Web site.
2. Delete the requirement for the working group to begin meeting on January 1, 2018.

Previous Legislation: AB 1304 (Block), Chapter 259, Statutes of 2011, established the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; authorized the CTC to established a working group to develop the Recognition of Study in Linked Learning; and, specified the Recognition of Study shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace as subject matter competence requirement and shall not be used in making employment decisions.

AB 1853 (Bonilla) from 2012, would have authorized the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in transitional kindergarten for holders of a multiple subject teaching credential who will be teaching pupils enrolled in a transitional kindergarten program. The bill was vetoed by the Governor with the following message:

I am returning Assembly Bill 1853 without my signature. This bill would require the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to create a committee to do the preliminary work that would be required to create yet another teaching credential -- -- something we don't need.

AB 659 (Nazarian) of 2013, which was held in the Senate Education Committee, would have required the CDE to include the Armenian Genocide in its published curriculum resources and encourages the incorporation of specific instances of genocide into existing curriculum, professional development activities, and in the next revision of the history/social science curriculum framework.

AJR 35 (Perez) of 2014 designated the week of April 20 through 26, 2014, as “California Week of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923,” and would memorialize the Congress and the President of the United States to observe the California Week of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide by participating in the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Project.

AJR 41 (Ian Calderon) of 2014, commended the extraordinary service delivered by Near East Relief to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and the Assyrian Genocide.

SB 1380 (Wyland), Statutes of 2014, required the IQC to consider including the Armenian Genocide in the next revision of the history/social science framework and specifically identifies the Armenian Genocide when encouraging the incorporation of oral testimony into the teaching of human rights and genocide.

SB 1419 (Wyland) of 2014, which was held in the Senate Education Committee, would have, commencing with the 2015–16 school year, prohibited 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, specifically including the Armenian Genocide.

SJR 21 (De León and Yee) of 2014 designated and encouraged the people of California to commemorate the month of April 2014, as “California Month of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923,” and called upon the Congress and the President of the United States to act likewise and to formally and consistently recognize and reaffirm the historical truth that the atrocities committed against the Armenian people constituted genocide. The measure commended conscientious educators who teach about human rights and genocide. The measure called upon the President to work toward equitable, constructive, stable, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations and a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity, and called upon the Republic of Turkey to acknowledge the facts of the Armenian Genocide and to work toward a just resolution.

SB 234 (Wyland) of 2009, which died in Assembly Appropriations, required the Commission to consider an oral history component specifically related to genocides, including but not limited to, the Darfur, Rwandan, Cambodian, Jewish Holocaust, or Armenian genocides in the history/social science curriculum.

SR 31 (Wyland) of 2009, which died in Senate Rules, resolved that schools in California are encouraged to include an oral history of genocides, including, but not necessarily limited to, the Darfur, Rwandan, Cambodian, Jewish Holocaust, and Armenian genocides, in the history/social science curriculum component.

SB 424 (Poochigian), Chapter 9, Statutes of 2005, establishes April 24 of each year as the "California Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide" and the period beginning on the Sunday before that day through the following Sunday as the days of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.

ACR 116 (Yee), Chapter 114, Statutes of 2004, urged the State Board of Education to take action at the next instructional materials primary adoption cycle to ensure that history/social science textbooks used in California schools in grade 10 fairly and accurately portray human rights violations and other historical atrocities in a comprehensive manner.

SJR 1 (Poochigian), Chapter 18, Statutes of 2003, designated April 24, 2003, as the "California Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923" and requests Congress to likewise act to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

AB 1021 (Yee) of 2003, would have required the Armenian Genocide be considered in the next cycle in which the history/social science curriculum framework and its accompanying instructional materials are adopted. This bill died in Assembly Appropriations.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Armenian national Committee of America-Western Region

The Genocide Education Project

An individual

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Chelsea Kelley / ED. / (916) 319-2087