AB 2918: Pupil instruction: ethnic studies.
- Session Year: 2023-2024
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2024-07-03
Current Status:
Failed
(2024-08-15: In committee: Held under submission.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill changes how high schools develop, adopt, or revise ethnic studies classes and materials by requiring school districts and charter schools to create them with input from teachers, classified staff, parents or guardians, and community organizations, with a majority of those participants being classroom history-social science teachers for grades 9–12. It also requires districts to notify parents, allow public comment and piloting, have the superintendent and school board certify compliance, and ensure materials are appropriate for diverse students, do not promote bias or religious doctrine, foster respect and focus on U.S. communities.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
(1)Existing law requires a pupil to complete designated coursework while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school. These graduation requirements include, commencing for pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, the completion of a one-semester course in ethnic studies meeting specified requirements. Under existing law, the requirement to complete an ethnic studies course may be fulfilled by the completion of, among others, a course based on the model curriculum developed by the Instructional Quality Commission, an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University, or a locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school.
This bill, among other things, would require a school district or charter school to require a review by teachers, parents, guardians, and community members before approving a locally developed develop an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials for a locally developed ethnic studies course, an ethnic studies course with teachers, classified staff, parents, guardians, and community members, as provided. The bill would require a majority of the participants stakeholders in the review development process to be classroom teachers, as provided, and would also require authorize the review development process to include a piloting process consistent with the guidelines set forth in the Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions adopted by the State Board of Education. The bill would also require a proposal by the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school for an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University or a locally developed ethnic studies course to include, among other things, a detailed written justification explaining why the school district or charter school declined to adopt a course based on the model curriculum developed by the commission. The bill would require the proposal to be posted on the internet website of the school district or charter school, and a written notice to be sent to parents and guardians before a proposed course is presented, as provided. The bill would require a district superintendent and the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school to submit a signed certification to the State Department of Education and the state board that the proposed, adopted, or revised course is factually and historically accurate and complies with applicable laws and policies. The bill would require all adopted ethnic studies courses not based on the model curriculum developed by the commission to be made publicly available on the internet website of the school district or charter school. or instructional materials meets certain requirements, as provided. The bill would require the curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for an ethnic studies course to additionally foster respect and acceptance and to focus on the experiences of communities in of the United States, and would require determinations of the appropriate use of those curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials and whether those curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials reflect or promote any bias, bigotry, or discrimination to emphasize principles of cultural competency, as provided. States. To the extent these requirements impose additional duties on local educational agencies, 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 the statutory provisions noted above.
(1)Existing law requires a pupil to complete designated coursework while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school. These graduation requirements include, commencing for pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, the completion of a one-semester course in ethnic studies meeting specified requirements. Under existing law, the requirement to complete an ethnic studies course may be fulfilled by the completion of, among others, a course based on the model curriculum developed by the Instructional Quality Commission, an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University, or a locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school.
This bill, among other things, would require a school district or charter school to require a review by teachers, parents, guardians, and community members before approving a locally developed ethnic studies course or any instructional materials for a locally developed ethnic studies course, as provided. The bill would require a majority of the participants in the review process to be classroom teachers, as provided, and would also require the review process to include a piloting process consistent with the guidelines set forth in the Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions adopted by the State Board of Education. The bill would also require a proposal by the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school for an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University or a locally developed ethnic studies course to include, among other things, a detailed written justification explaining why the school district or charter school declined to adopt a course based on the model curriculum developed by the commission. The bill would require the proposal to be posted on the internet website of the school district or charter school, and a written notice to be sent to parents and guardians before a proposed course is presented, as provided. The bill would require a district superintendent and the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school to submit a signed certification to the State Department of Education and the State Board of Education state board that the course is factually and historically accurate and complies with applicable laws and policies. The bill would require all adopted ethnic studies courses not based on the model curriculum developed by the commission to be made publicly available on the internet website of the school district or charter school. The bill would require the curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for an ethnic studies course to additionally foster respect and acceptance and to focus on the experiences of communities in the United States, and would require determinations of the appropriate use of those curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials and whether those curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials reflect or promote any bias, bigotry, or discrimination to emphasize principles of cultural competency, as provided. To the extent these requirements impose additional duties on local educational agencies, 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 the statutory provisions noted above.
(1)Existing law requires a pupil to complete designated coursework while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school. These graduation requirements include, commencing for pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, the completion of a one-semester course in ethnic studies meeting specified requirements. Under existing law, the requirement to complete an ethnic studies course may be fulfilled by the completion of, among others, a course based on the model curriculum developed by the Instructional Quality Commission, an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University, or a locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school.
This bill, among other things, would require a proposal by the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school for an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University or a locally developed ethnic studies course to include, among other things, a detailed written justification explaining why the school district or charter school declined to adopt a course based on the model curriculum developed by the commission. The bill would require the proposal to be posted on the internet website of the school district or charter school, and a written notice to be sent to parents and guardians before a proposed course is presented, as provided. The bill would require a district superintendent and the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school to submit a signed certification to the State Department of Education and the State Board of Education that the course is factually and historically accurate and complies with applicable laws and policies. The bill would require all adopted ethnic studies courses not based on the model curriculum developed by the commission to be made publicly available on the internet website of the school district or charter school. The bill would require the curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for an ethnic studies course to additionally foster respect and acceptance and to focus on the experiences of communities in the United States, and would require determinations of the appropriate use of those curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials and whether those curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials reflect or promote any bias, bigotry, or discrimination to emphasize principles of cultural competency, as provided. To the extent these requirements impose additional duties on local educational agencies, 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 the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law, the Barbering and Cosmetology Act, establishes the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for the licensure and regulation of barbers and cosmetologists. Existing law requires the board to carry out a list of duties, including keeping a registration record of each licensee containing the name, address, license number, date issued, and any facts that the applicant may have stated in the application for examination for licensure. Existing law requires specified licensees to, within 30 days after a change of address, notify the board of the new address, and, upon receipt of the notification, the board is required to make the necessary changes in the register. This bill would revise this provision to require the board, upon receipt of a licensees change of address notification, to make the necessary changes in any board records and, where applicable, in the licensees public profile maintained on the boards internet website.Existing law, the Barbering and Cosmetology Act, establishes the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for the licensure and regulation of barbers and cosmetologists. Existing law requires the board to carry out a list of duties, including keeping a registration record of each licensee containing the name, address, license number, date issued, and any facts that the applicant may have stated in the application for examination for licensure. Existing law requires specified licensees to, within 30 days after a change of address, notify the board of the new address, and, upon receipt of the notification, the board is required to make the necessary changes in the register.
This bill would revise this provision to require the board, upon receipt of a licensees change of address notification, to make the necessary changes in any board records and, where applicable, in the licensees public profile maintained on the boards internet website.
Existing law generally regulates professions and vocations.This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to professions and vocations.Existing law generally regulates professions and vocations.
This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to professions and vocations.
(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. If the governing board of a school district requires more than two courses in mathematics for graduation, the governing board of the school district may award a pupil up to one mathematics course credit pursuant to Section 51225.35.
(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; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E)One course in visual or performing arts, world language, or, commencing with the 201213 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 world 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, 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 (l) 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 this code.
(G)(i)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school, a one-semester course in ethnic studies. A local educational agency, including a charter school, may require a full-year course in ethnic studies at its discretion. Commencing with the 202526 school year, a local educational agency, including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies.
(ii)Subject to the course offerings of a local educational agency, including a charter school, a pupil may fulfill the requirement of clause (i) through the completion of any of the following types of courses:
(I)A course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7.
(II)An existing ethnic studies course.
(III)An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University.
(IV)A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. The proposed course shall first be presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and shall not be approved until a subsequent public meeting of the governing board or governing body at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course.
(iii)(I)(ia)Before adopting a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), or revising an adopted course in ethnic studies or any adopted instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school shall ensure that the proposed course, instructional materials, or both, as applicable, meet the requirements set forth in this subparagraph and are developed in conjunction with all of the following stakeholders:
(Ia)Certificated teachers.
(Ib)Classified public school staff.
(Ic)Parents and guardians of pupils.
(Id)Community organizations with relevant experience assisting children build cultural awareness and understanding.
(ib)A majority of the stakeholders listed in sub-sub-subclause (Ia) to (Id), inclusive, of sub-subclause (ia), shall be classroom teachers assigned to teach in the subject area of history-social science to pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive.
(II)The governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school may pilot a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), consistent with the guidelines set forth in the Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions adopted by the state board.
(III)Before developing an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), or revising an adopted course in ethnic studies or any adopted instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), pursuant to this clause, a notice shall be sent to parents and guardians to inform them of all of the following:
(ia)The development process that will be undertaken.
(ib)How to participate in the development process.
(ic)How to provide feedback on a course or instructional materials created under the development process.
(IV)Before adopting or revising an ethnic studies course or instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies pursuant to this clause, the proposal shall first be presented with an opportunity for public comment at a minimum of one separate regularly scheduled public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school conducted pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code). For purposes of this subclause, all applicable requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) shall apply, including, but not limited to, both of the following:
(ia)Section 54954.1 of the Government Code.
(ib)Subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, of Section 54957.5 of the Government Code.
(V)The district superintendent and the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school shall submit a signed certification to the department and the state board that the proposed, adopted, or revised ethnic studies course or instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies complies with all of the requirements of this subparagraph.
(iv)(I)An adopted ethnic studies course and adopted instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii) shall be exempt from the requirements of clause (iii).
(II)Notwithstanding subclause (I), the requirements of clause (iii) shall apply to both of the following:
(ia)Revisions to a course or instructional materials described in subclause (I) of this paragraph or subclause (II) of clause (ii).
(ib)The addition of a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii).
(iii)(v)A course that does not use ethnic studies content as the primary content through which the subject is taught shall not be used to satisfy the requirement of clause (i).
(iv)(vi)A pupil completing a course described in clause (ii) shall also accrue credit for coursework in the subject that the course is offered, including, if applicable, credit towards satisfying a course required for a diploma of graduation from high school pursuant to this section.
(v)(vii)Curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for a course described in clause (ii) shall meet all of the following requirements:
(I)Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners.
(II)Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category protected by Section 220.
(III)Not teach or promote religious doctrine.
(IV)All applicable requirements of existing law, including, but not limited to, Sections 51204.5, 60040, 60044, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, and subdivision (a) of Section 60045.
(V)Foster respect and acceptance and focus on the experiences of communities of the United States.
(vi)(viii)It is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies, including charter schools, consider that, pursuant to Section 51226.7, the Instructional Quality Commission undertook a lengthy, thorough, deliberative, and inclusive process before submitting a model curriculum in ethnic studies to the state board. To the extent that local educational agencies, including charter schools, choose to locally develop an ethnic studies program for approval by their governing board or governing body, it is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies not use the portions of the draft model curriculum that were not adopted by the Instructional Quality Commission due to concerns related to bias, bigotry, and discrimination.
(ix)If a school district or charter school enters into a contract for the purpose of developing materials for use in any ethnic studies course described in clause (ii), the school district or the charter school shall ensure that these materials comply with all applicable requirements of this subparagraph.
(vii)(x)The amendments made to this section by Section 1 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall not be construed to alter any other requirement of this section for pupils enrolled in a charter school.
(H)(i)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 203031 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school, a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance, that shall not be combined with any other course.
(ii)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 203031 school year, a pupil who completes a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance, that is not combined with any other course, may elect to be exempt from the requirement to complete a one-semester course in economics pursuant to subparagraph (D).
(iii)(I)A local educational agency may elect to eliminate one or more locally required courses established pursuant to paragraph (2) in order to accommodate the requirement that pupils, commencing with pupils graduating in the 203031 school year, complete a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance.
(II)This clause does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, existing law.
(iv)Commencing with the 202728 school year, a local educational agency, including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer in all of its high schools at least a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance, that is not combined with any other course.
(v)To satisfy the requirement of this subparagraph, a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance shall include information for pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on all of, and only, the topics listed in paragraphs (1) to (13), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 51284.5.
(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)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, world language courses, and visual and performing arts courses for the 200506 to 201112 school years, inclusive, to the pupil enrollment in career technical education courses, world language courses, and visual and performing arts courses for the 201213 to 201617 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 200506 to 201112 school years, inclusive, compared to the type and number of career technical education courses that were conducted for the 201213 to 201617 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 Model Curriculum 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 world language requirement.
(7)Annual pupil dropout and graduation rates for the 201112 to 201415 school years, inclusive.
(d)For purposes of completing the report described in subdivision (c), 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.
(e)For purposes of completing the report described in subdivision (c), 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.
(f)The amendments made to this section by Section 1 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for purposes of these amendments in the annual Budget Act or another statute.
(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 Chapter 621 of the Statutes of 2011 in which the number of career technical education courses that, as determined by the department, satisfy the world 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 world 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, 2027, and, as of January 1, 2028, is repealed.
SEC. 2.Section 51225.3 of the Education Code, as amended by Section 3 of Chapter 37 of the Statutes of 2024, 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. If the governing board of a school district requires more than two courses in mathematics for graduation, the governing board of the school district may award a pupil up to one mathematics course credit pursuant to Section 51225.35.
(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; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E)One course in visual or performing arts or world language. For purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in world language.
(F)Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to this code.
(G)(i)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school, a one-semester course in ethnic studies. A local educational agency, including a charter school, may require a full-year course in ethnic studies at its discretion. Commencing with the 202526 school year, a local educational agency, including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies.
(ii)Subject to the course offerings of a local educational agency, including a charter school, a pupil may fulfill the requirement of clause (i) through the completion of any of the following types of courses:
(I)A course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7.
(II)An existing ethnic studies course.
(III)An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University.
(IV)A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. The proposed course shall first be presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and shall not be approved until a subsequent public meeting of the governing board or governing body at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course.
(iii)(I)(ia)Before adopting a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), or revising an adopted course in ethnic studies or any adopted instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school shall ensure that the proposed course, instructional materials, or both, as applicable, meet the requirements set forth in this subparagraph and are developed in conjunction with all of the following stakeholders:
(Ia)Certificated teachers.
(Ib)Classified public school staff.
(Ic)Parents and guardians of pupils.
(Id)Community organizations with relevant experience assisting children build cultural awareness and understanding.
(ib)A majority of the stakeholders listed in sub-sub-subclause (Ia) to (Id), inclusive, of sub-subclause (ia), shall be classroom teachers assigned to teach in the subject area of history-social science to pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive.
(II)The governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school may pilot a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), consistent with the guidelines set forth in the Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions adopted by the state board.
(III)Before developing an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), or revising an adopted course in ethnic studies or any adopted instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii), pursuant to this clause, a notice shall be sent to parents and guardians to inform them of all of the following:
(ia)The development process that will be undertaken.
(ib)How to participate in the development process.
(ic)How to provide feedback on a course or instructional materials created under the development process.
(IV)Before adopting or revising an ethnic studies course or instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies pursuant to this clause, the proposal shall first be presented with an opportunity for public comment at a minimum of one separate regularly scheduled public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school conducted pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code). For purposes of this subclause, all applicable requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) shall apply, including, but not limited to, both of the following:
(ia)Section 54954.1 of the Government Code.
(ib)Subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, of Section 54957.5 of the Government Code.
(V)The district superintendent and the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school shall submit a signed certification to the department and the state board that the proposed, adopted, or revised ethnic studies course or instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies complies with all of the requirements of this subparagraph.
(iv)(I)An adopted ethnic studies course and adopted instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii) shall be exempt from the requirements of clause (iii).
(II)Notwithstanding subclause (I), the requirements of clause (iii) shall apply to both of the following:
(ia)Revisions to a course or instructional materials described in subclause (I) of this paragraph or subclause (II) of clause (ii).
(ib)The addition of a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies described in subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii).
(iii)(v)A course that does not use ethnic studies content as the primary content through which the subject is taught shall not be used to satisfy the requirement of clause (i).
(iv)(vi)A pupil completing a course described in clause (ii) shall also accrue credit for coursework in the subject that the course is offered, including, if applicable, credit towards satisfying a course required for a diploma of graduation from high school pursuant to this section.
(v)(vii)Curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for a course described in clause (ii) shall meet all of the following requirements:
(I)Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners.
(II)Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category protected by Section 220.
(III)Not teach or promote religious doctrine.
(IV)All applicable requirements of existing law, including, but not limited to, Sections 51204.5, 60040, 60044, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, and subdivision (a) of Section 60045.
(V)Foster respect and acceptance and focus on the experiences of communities of the United States.
(vi)(viii)It is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies, including charter schools, consider that, pursuant to Section 51226.7, the Instructional Quality Commission undertook a lengthy, thorough, deliberative, and inclusive process before submitting a model curriculum in ethnic studies to the state board. To the extent that local educational agencies, including charter schools, choose to locally develop an ethnic studies program for approval by their governing board or governing body, it is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies not use the portions of the draft model curriculum that were not adopted by the Instructional Quality Commission due to concerns related to bias, bigotry, and discrimination.
(ix)If a school district or charter school enters into a contract for the purpose of developing materials for use in any ethnic studies course described in clause (ii), the school district or the charter school shall ensure that these materials comply with all applicable requirements of this subparagraph.
(vii)(x)The amendments made to this section by Section 2 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall not be construed to alter any other requirement of this section for pupils enrolled in a charter school.
(H)(i)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 203031 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school, a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance, that shall not be combined with any other course.
(ii)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 203031 school year, a pupil who completes a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance, that is not combined with any other course, may elect to be exempt from the requirement to complete a one-semester course in economics pursuant to subparagraph (D).
(iii)(I)A local educational agency may elect to eliminate one or more locally required courses established pursuant to paragraph (2) in order to accommodate the requirement that pupils, commencing with pupils graduating in the 203031 school year, complete a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance.
(II)This clause does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, existing law.
(iv)Commencing with the 202728 school year, a local educational agency, including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer in all of its high schools at least a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance, that is not combined with any other course.
(v)To satisfy the requirement of this subparagraph, a separate, stand-alone one-semester course in personal finance shall include information for pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, on all of, and only, the topics listed in paragraphs (1) to (13), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 51284.5.
(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)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 Section 3 of Chapter 621 of the Statutes of 2011, 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.
(d)The amendments made to this section by Section 2 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for purposes of these amendments in the annual Budget Act or another statute.
(e)This section shall become operative upon the date that Section 51225.3, as amended by Section 35 of Assembly Bill 185 of the 202122 Regular Session, becomes inoperative.
SEC. 3.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.
All matter omitted in this version of the bill appears in the bill as amended in the Senate, June 24, 2024. (JR11)(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. If the governing board of a school district requires more than two courses in mathematics for graduation, the governing board of the school district may award a pupil up to one mathematics course credit pursuant to Section 51225.35.
(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; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E)One course in visual or performing arts, world language, or, commencing with the 201213 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 world 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, 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 (l) 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 this code.
(G)(i)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school, a one-semester course in ethnic studies. A local educational agency, including a charter school, may require a full-year course in ethnic studies at its discretion. Commencing with the 202526 school year, a local educational agency, including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies.
(ii)Subject to the course offerings of a local educational agency, including a charter school, a pupil may fulfill the requirement of clause (i) through the completion of any of the following types of courses:
(I)A course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7.
(II)An existing ethnic studies course.
(III)An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University.
(IV)A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. The proposed course shall first be presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and shall not be approved until a subsequent public meeting of the governing board or governing body at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course. Before approving a locally developed ethnic studies course, or any instructional materials for a locally developed ethnic studies course, a school district or charter school shall require review by teachers, parents, guardians, and community members. The majority of the participants in the review process shall be either (ia) classroom social studies teachers of pupils in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, or (ib) classroom teachers, of pupils in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, assigned to the subject area under which ethnic studies is being taught. The review process shall also include a piloting process consistent with the guidelines set forth in the Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions adopted by the state board.
(iii)(I)If a school district or charter school seeks to adopt an ethnic studies course pursuant to subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii), the proposal shall include a detailed written justification explaining why the school district or charter school declined to adopt a course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7, as well as a full and complete explanation of the ways in which the proposed course under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) differs from the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7. The written justification shall be submitted to the department and the state board. The proposal shall be made publicly accessible on the internet website of the school district or the charter school at least 30 days before being first presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or governing body of the charter school.
(II)A written notice shall be sent to parents and guardians before a proposed course under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) is presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school pursuant to subclause (I). The written notice shall inform parents and guardians that the proposed course will be taken up for consideration, and that there shall be opportunity for public comment when the proposed course is presented at the public meeting of the governing board of the school district or governing body of the charter school. The written notice shall be posted on the internet website of the school district or the charter school. The written notice shall cite to guidance and public educational materials developed pursuant to Section 242.
(III)The district superintendent and the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school shall submit a signed certification to the department and the state board that a proposed or adopted course pursuant to subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) satisfies both of the following:
(ia)Is factually and historically accurate.
(ib)Complies with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the guardrails outlined in this subparagraph, Section 220, Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 234) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 1, Section 51500, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, subdivision (a) of Section 60045, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), and all applicable antidiscrimination laws of the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.
(iv)All adopted courses and resources pursuant to subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii) shall be made publicly available on the internet website of the school district or the charter school.
(v)A course that does not use ethnic studies content as the primary content through which the subject is taught shall not be used to satisfy the requirement of clause (i).
(vi)A pupil completing a course described in clause (ii) shall also accrue credit for coursework in the subject that the course is offered, including, if applicable, credit towards satisfying a course required for a diploma of graduation from high school pursuant to this section.
(vii)Curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for a course an ethnic studies course, including, but not limited to, a course described in clause (ii) (ii), shall meet all of the following requirements:
(I)Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners. Determinations of appropriateness for use shall emphasize principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by Section 220.
(II)Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category protected by Section 220. Determinations of whether curriculum, instruction, or instructional materials reflect or promote any bias, bigotry, or discrimination shall emphasize principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by Section 220.
(III)Not teach or promote religious doctrine.
(IV)Foster respect and acceptance, and focus on the experiences of communities of the United States.
(viii)It is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies, including charter schools, consider that, pursuant to Section 51226.7, the Instructional Quality Commission undertook a lengthy, thorough, deliberative, and inclusive process before submitting a model curriculum in ethnic studies to the state board. To the extent that local educational agencies, including charter schools, choose to locally develop an ethnic studies program for approval by their governing board or governing body, it is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies not use the portions of the draft model curriculum that were not adopted by the Instructional Quality Commission due to concerns related to bias, bigotry, and discrimination.
(ix)If a school district or charter school enters into a contract for the purpose of developing resources for use in a course under subclauses (I) to (IV), inclusive, of clause (ii), the school district or charter school shall submit the contract to the department and the state board with signed certification that those resources satisfy both of the following:
(I)Are factually and historically accurate.
(II)Comply with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the guardrails outlined in this subparagraph, Section 220, Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 234) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 1, Section 51500, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, subdivision (a) of Section 60045, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), and all applicable antidiscrimination laws of the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.
(x)The amendments made to this section by Section 1 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall not be construed to alter any other requirement of this section for pupils enrolled in a charter school.
(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)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, world language courses, and visual and performing arts courses for the 200506 to 201112 school years, inclusive, to the pupil enrollment in career technical education courses, world language courses, and visual and performing arts courses for the 201213 to 201617 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 200506 to 201112 school years, inclusive, compared to the type and number of career technical education courses that were conducted for the 201213 to 201617 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 Model Curriculum 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 world language requirement.
(7)Annual pupil dropout and graduation rates for the 201112 to 201415 school years, inclusive.
(d)For purposes of completing the report described in subdivision (c), 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.
(e)For purposes of completing the report described in subdivision (c), 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.
(f)The amendments made to this section by Section 1 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for purposes of these amendments in the annual Budget Act or another statute.
(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 Chapter 621 of the Statutes of 2011 in which the number of career technical education courses that, as determined by the department, satisfy the world 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 world 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, 2027, and, as of January 1, 2028, is repealed.
SEC. 2.Section 51225.3 of the Education Code, as amended by Section 36 of Chapter 571 of the Statutes of 2022, 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. If the governing board of a school district requires more than two courses in mathematics for graduation, the governing board of the school district may award a pupil up to one mathematics course credit pursuant to Section 51225.35.
(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; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E)One course in visual or performing arts or world language. For purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in world language.
(F)Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to this code.
(G)(i)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school, a one-semester course in ethnic studies. A local educational agency, including a charter school, may require a full-year course in ethnic studies at its discretion. Commencing with the 202526 school year, a local educational agency, including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies.
(ii)Subject to the course offerings of a local educational agency, including a charter school, a pupil may fulfill the requirement of clause (i) through the completion of any of the following types of courses:
(I)A course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7.
(II)An existing ethnic studies course.
(III)An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University.
(IV)A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. The proposed course shall first be presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and shall not be approved until a subsequent public meeting of the governing board or governing body at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course. Before approving a locally developed ethnic studies course, or any instructional materials for a locally developed ethnic studies course, a school district or charter school shall require review by teachers, parents, guardians, and community members. The majority of the participants in the review process shall be either (ia) classroom social studies teachers of pupils in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, or (ib) classroom teachers, of pupils in any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, assigned to the subject area under which ethnic studies is being taught. The review process shall also include a piloting process consistent with the guidelines set forth in the Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions adopted by the state board.
(iii)(I)If a school district or charter school seeks to adopt an ethnic studies course pursuant to subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii), the proposal shall include a detailed written justification explaining why the school district or charter school declined to adopt a course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7, as well as a full and complete explanation of the ways in which the proposed course under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) differs from the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7. The written justification shall be submitted to the department and the state board. The proposal shall be made publicly accessible on the internet website of the school district or the charter school at least 30 days before being first presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or governing body of the charter school.
(II)A written notice shall be sent to parents and guardians before a proposed course under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) is presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school pursuant to subclause (I). The written notice shall inform parents and guardians that the proposed course will be taken up for consideration, and that there shall be opportunity for public comment when the proposed course is presented at the public meeting of the governing board of the school district or governing body of the charter school. The written notice shall be posted on the internet website of the school district or the charter school. The written notice shall cite to guidance and public educational materials developed pursuant to Section 242.
(III)The district superintendent and the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school shall submit a signed certification to the department and the state board that a proposed or adopted course pursuant to subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) complies with satisfies both of the following:
(ia)Is factually and historically accurate.
(ib)Complies with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the guardrails outlined in this subparagraph, Section 220, Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 234) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 1, Section 51500, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, subdivision (a) of Section 60045, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), and all applicable antidiscrimination laws of the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.
(iv)All adopted courses and resources pursuant to subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii) shall be made publicly available on the internet website of the school district or the charter school.
(v)A course that does not use ethnic studies content as the primary content through which the subject is taught shall not be used to satisfy the requirement of clause (i).
(vi)A pupil completing a course described in clause (ii) shall also accrue credit for coursework in the subject that the course is offered, including, if applicable, credit towards satisfying a course required for a diploma of graduation from high school pursuant to this section.
(vii)Curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for a an ethnic studies course, including, but not limited to, a course described in clause (ii) (ii), shall meet all of the following requirements:
(I)Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners. Determinations of appropriateness for use shall emphasize principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by Section 220.
(II)Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category protected by Section 220. Determinations of whether curriculum, instruction, or instructional materials reflect or promote any bias, bigotry, or discrimination shall emphasize principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by Section 220.
(III)Not teach or promote religious doctrine.
(IV)Foster respect and acceptance, and focus on the experiences of communities of the United States.
(viii)It is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies, including charter schools, consider that, pursuant to Section 51226.7, the Instructional Quality Commission undertook a lengthy, thorough, deliberative, and inclusive process before submitting a model curriculum in ethnic studies to the state board. To the extent that local educational agencies, including charter schools, choose to locally develop an ethnic studies program for approval by their governing board or governing body, it is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies not use the portions of the draft model curriculum that were not adopted by the Instructional Quality Commission due to concerns related to bias, bigotry, and discrimination.
(ix)If a school district or charter school enters into a contract for the purpose of developing resources for use in a course under subclauses (I) to (IV), inclusive, of clause (ii), the school district or charter school shall submit the contract to the department and the state board with signed certification that those resources satisfy both of the following:
(I)Are factually and historically accurate.
(II)Comply with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the guardrails outlined in this subparagraph, Section 220, Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 234) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 1, Section 51500, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, subdivision (a) of Section 60045, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), and all applicable antidiscrimination laws of the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.
(x)The amendments made to this section by Section 2 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall not be construed to alter any other requirement of this section for pupils enrolled in a charter school.
(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)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 Section 3 of Chapter 621 of the Statutes of 2011, 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.
(d)The amendments made to this section by Section 2 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for purposes of these amendments in the annual Budget Act or another statute.
(e)This section shall become operative upon the date that Section 51225.3, as amended by Section 35 of Assembly Bill 185 of the 202122 Regular Session, becomes inoperative.
SEC. 3.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.
(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. If the governing board of a school district requires more than two courses in mathematics for graduation, the governing board of the school district may award a pupil up to one mathematics course credit pursuant to Section 51225.35.
(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; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E)One course in visual or performing arts, world language, or, commencing with the 201213 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 world 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, 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 (l) 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 this code.
(G)(i)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school, a one-semester course in ethnic studies. A local educational agency, including a charter school, may require a full-year course in ethnic studies at its discretion. Commencing with the 202526 school year, a local educational agency, including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies.
(ii)Subject to the course offerings of a local educational agency, including a charter school, a pupil may fulfill the requirement of clause (i) through the completion of any of the following types of courses:
(I)A course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7.
(II)An existing ethnic studies course.
(III)An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University.
(IV)A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. The proposed course shall first be presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and shall not be approved until a subsequent public meeting of the governing board or governing body at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course.
(iii)(I)If a school district or charter school seeks to adopt an ethnic studies course pursuant to subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii), the proposal shall include a detailed written justification explaining why the school district or charter school declined to adopt a course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7, as well as a full and complete explanation of the ways in which the proposed course under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) differs from the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7. The written justification shall be submitted to the department and the state board. The proposal shall be made publicly accessible on the internet website of the school district or the charter school at least 30 days before being first presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or governing body of the charter school.
(II)A written notice shall be sent to parents and guardians before a proposed course under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) is presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school pursuant to subclause (I). The written notice shall inform parents and guardians that the proposed course will be taken up for consideration, and that there shall be opportunity for public comment when the proposed course is presented at the public meeting of the governing board of the school district or governing body of the charter school. The written notice shall be posted on the internet website of the school district or the charter school. The written notice shall cite to guidance and public educational materials developed pursuant to Section 242.
(III)The district superintendent and the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school shall submit a signed certification to the department and the state board that a proposed or adopted course pursuant to subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) satisfies both of the following:
(ia)Is factually and historically accurate.
(ib)Complies with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the guardrails outlined in this subparagraph, Section 220, Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 234) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 1, Section 51500, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, subdivision (a) of Section 60045, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), and all applicable antidiscrimination laws of the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.
(iv)All adopted courses and resources pursuant to subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii) shall be made publicly available on the internet website of the school district or the charter school.
(iii)(v)A course that does not use ethnic studies content as the primary content through which the subject is taught shall not be used to satisfy the requirement of clause (i).
(iv)(vi)A pupil completing a course described in clause (ii) shall also accrue credit for coursework in the subject that the course is offered, including, if applicable, credit towards satisfying a course required for a diploma of graduation from high school pursuant to this section.
(v)(vii)Curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for a course described in clause (ii) shall meet all of the following requirements:
(I)Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners. Determinations of appropriateness for use shall emphasize principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by Section 220.
(II)Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category protected by Section 220. Determinations of whether curriculum, instruction, or instructional materials reflect or promote any bias, bigotry, or discrimination shall emphasize principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by Section 220.
(III)Not teach or promote religious doctrine.
(IV)Foster respect and acceptance, and focus on the experiences of communities of the United States.
(vi)(viii)It is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies, including charter schools, consider that, pursuant to Section 51226.7, the Instructional Quality Commission undertook a lengthy, thorough, deliberative, and inclusive process before submitting a model curriculum in ethnic studies to the state board. To the extent that local educational agencies, including charter schools, choose to locally develop an ethnic studies program for approval by their governing board or governing body, it is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies not use the portions of the draft model curriculum that were not adopted by the Instructional Quality Commission due to concerns related to bias, bigotry, and discrimination.
(ix)If a school district or charter school enters into a contract for the purpose of developing resources for use in a course under subclauses (I) to (IV), inclusive, of clause (ii), the school district or charter school shall submit the contract to the department and the state board with signed certification that those resources satisfy both of the following:
(I)Are factually and historically accurate.
(II)Comply with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the guardrails outlined in this subparagraph, Section 220, Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 234) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 1, Section 51500, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, subdivision (a) of Section 60045, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), and all applicable antidiscrimination laws of the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.
(vii)(x)The amendments made to this section by Section 1 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall not be construed to alter any other requirement of this section for pupils enrolled in a charter school.
(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)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, world language courses, and visual and performing arts courses for the 200506 to 201112 school years, inclusive, to the pupil enrollment in career technical education courses, world language courses, and visual and performing arts courses for the 201213 to 201617 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 200506 to 201112 school years, inclusive, compared to the type and number of career technical education courses that were conducted for the 201213 to 201617 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 Model Curriculum 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 world language requirement.
(7)Annual pupil dropout and graduation rates for the 201112 to 201415 school years, inclusive.
(d)For purposes of completing the report described in subdivision (c), 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.
(e)For purposes of completing the report described in subdivision (c), 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.
(f)The amendments made to this section by Section 1 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for purposes of these amendments in the annual Budget Act or another statute.
(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 Chapter 621 of the Statutes of 2011 in which the number of career technical education courses that, as determined by the department, satisfy the world 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 world 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, 2027, and, as of January 1, 2028, is repealed.
SEC. 2.Section 51225.3 of the Education Code, as amended by Section 36 of Chapter 571 of the Statutes of 2022, 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. If the governing board of a school district requires more than two courses in mathematics for graduation, the governing board of the school district may award a pupil up to one mathematics course credit pursuant to Section 51225.35.
(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; and a one-semester course in economics.
(E)One course in visual or performing arts or world language. For purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in world language.
(F)Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to this code.
(G)(i)Commencing with pupils graduating in the 202930 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school, a one-semester course in ethnic studies. A local educational agency, including a charter school, may require a full-year course in ethnic studies at its discretion. Commencing with the 202526 school year, a local educational agency, including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies.
(ii)Subject to the course offerings of a local educational agency, including a charter school, a pupil may fulfill the requirement of clause (i) through the completion of any of the following types of courses:
(I)A course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7.
(II)An existing ethnic studies course.
(III)An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the AG requirements of the University of California and the California State University.
(IV)A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. The proposed course shall first be presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and shall not be approved until a subsequent public meeting of the governing board or governing body at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course.
(iii)(I)If a school district or charter school seeks to adopt an ethnic studies course pursuant to subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii), the proposal shall include a detailed written justification explaining why the school district or charter school declined to adopt a course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7, as well as a full and complete explanation of the ways in which the proposed course under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) differs from the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7. The written justification shall be submitted to the department and the state board. The proposal shall be made publicly accessible on the internet website of the school district or the charter school at least 30 days before being first presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or governing body of the charter school.
(II)A written notice shall be sent to parents and guardians before a proposed course under subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) is presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school pursuant to subclause (I). The written notice shall inform parents and guardians that the proposed course will be taken up for consideration, and that there shall be opportunity for public comment when the proposed course is presented at the public meeting of the governing board of the school district or governing body of the charter school. The written notice shall be posted on the internet website of the school district or the charter school. The written notice shall cite to guidance and public educational materials developed pursuant to Section 242.
(III)The district superintendent and the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school shall submit a signed certification to the department and the state board that a proposed or adopted course pursuant to subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (ii) complies with both of the following:
(ia)Is factually and historically accurate.
(ib)Complies with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the guardrails outlined in this subparagraph, Section 220, Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 234) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 1, Section 51500, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, subdivision (a) of Section 60045, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), and all applicable antidiscrimination laws of the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.
(iv)All adopted courses and resources pursuant to subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (ii) shall be made publicly available on the internet website of the school district or the charter school.
(iii)(v)A course that does not use ethnic studies content as the primary content through which the subject is taught shall not be used to satisfy the requirement of clause (i).
(iv)(vi)A pupil completing a course described in clause (ii) shall also accrue credit for coursework in the subject that the course is offered, including, if applicable, credit towards satisfying a course required for a diploma of graduation from high school pursuant to this section.
(v)(vii)Curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for a course described in clause (ii) shall meet all of the following requirements:
(I)Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners. Determinations of appropriateness for use shall emphasize principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by Section 220.
(II)Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category protected by Section 220. Determinations of whether curriculum, instruction, or instructional materials reflect or promote any bias, bigotry, or discrimination shall emphasize principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by Section 220.
(III)Not teach or promote religious doctrine.
(IV)Foster respect and acceptance, and focus on the experiences of communities of the United States.
(vi)(viii)It is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies, including charter schools, consider that, pursuant to Section 51226.7, the Instructional Quality Commission undertook a lengthy, thorough, deliberative, and inclusive process before submitting a model curriculum in ethnic studies to the state board. To the extent that local educational agencies, including charter schools, choose to locally develop an ethnic studies program for approval by their governing board or governing body, it is the intent of the Legislature that local educational agencies not use the portions of the draft model curriculum that were not adopted by the Instructional Quality Commission due to concerns related to bias, bigotry, and discrimination.
(ix)If a school district or charter school enters into a contract for the purpose of developing resources for use in a course under subclauses (I) to (IV), inclusive, of clause (ii), the school district or charter school shall submit the contract to the department and the state board with signed certification that those resources satisfy both of the following:
(I)Are factually and historically accurate.
(II)Comply with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the guardrails outlined in this subparagraph, Section 220, Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 234) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 1, Section 51500, subdivision (a) of Section 51501, subdivision (a) of Section 60045, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-352), and all applicable antidiscrimination laws of the United States Constitution and the California Constitution.
(vii)(x)The amendments made to this section by Section 2 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall not be construed to alter any other requirement of this section for pupils enrolled in a charter school.
(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)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 Section 3 of Chapter 621 of the Statutes of 2011, 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.
(d)The amendments made to this section by Section 2 of Chapter 661 of the Statutes of 2021 shall become operative only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature for purposes of these amendments in the annual Budget Act or another statute.
(e)This section shall become operative upon the date that Section 51225.3, as amended by Section 35 of Assembly Bill 185 of the 202122 Regular Session, becomes inoperative.
SEC. 3.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.
SECTION 1.Section 7400 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:7400.Every licensee of the board, except establishments shall, within 30 days after a change of address, notify the board of the new address, and, upon receipt of the notification, the board shall make the necessary changes in any board records and, where applicable, in the licensees public profile maintained on the boards internet website.Every licensee of the board, except establishments shall, within 30 days after a change of address, notify the board of the new address, and, upon receipt of the notification, the board shall make the necessary changes in the register. any board records and, where applicable, in the licensees public profile maintained on the boards internet website.
SECTION 1.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to professions and vocations.It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to professions and vocations.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Aug 15, 2024 | In committee: Held under submission. |
| Aug 5, 2024 | In committee: Referred to APPR suspense file. |
| Jul 3, 2024 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jul 3, 2024 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (July 3). |
| Jun 24, 2024 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on ED. |
| Jun 12, 2024 | Re-referred to Com. on ED. |
| Jun 11, 2024 | Withdrawn from committee. |
| Jun 11, 2024 | Re-referred to Com. on RLS. |
| Jun 10, 2024 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on B., P. & E. D. |
| May 15, 2024 | Referred to Com. on B., P. & E. D. |
| May 2, 2024 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 2, 2024 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 73. Noes 0. Page 5090.) |
| Apr 25, 2024 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Apr 24, 2024 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 24). |
| Apr 16, 2024 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (April 16). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Mar 19, 2024 | Re-referred to Com. on B. & P. |
| Mar 18, 2024 | Referred to Com. on B. & P. |
| Mar 18, 2024 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on B. & P. Read second time and amended. |
| Feb 16, 2024 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 17. |
| Feb 15, 2024 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5, 2024 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jul 3, 2024 | Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
|
| May 2, 2024 | AB 2918 Zbur Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 24, 2024 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 16, 2024 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Business and Professions |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| AJC San Francisco | ** Support | |
| Anti Defamation League | ** Support | |
| Berkeley High School | * Against | Jul 3, 2024 |
| Berkeley Unified School District | * Against | Jul 3, 2024 |
| California Community College Ethnic Studies Faculty Council | * Against | Jul 3, 2024 |
| California Faculty Association | * Against | Jul 3, 2024 |
| California Latino School Board Association | * Against | Jul 3, 2024 |
| California School Board Association | * Indeterminate | Jul 3, 2024 |
| California Teachers Association | * Indeterminate | Jul 3, 2024 |
| Central Valley Holocaust Educators' Network | ** Support | |
| CFT Union of Educators and Classified Professionals | * Indeterminate | Jul 3, 2024 |
| ETTA | ** Support | |
| Faith And Community Empowerment | ** Support | |
| Hadassah | ** Support | |
| Hillel At Ucla | ** Support | |
| Holocaust Museum LA | ** Support | |
| Inland & Desert Hillel Council | ** Support | |
| JCRC Bay Area | ** Support | |
| Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund | ** Support | |
| Jewish Community Relations Council | * Support | Jul 3, 2024 |
| Jewish Community Relations Council, Sacramento | ** Support | |
| Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, | ** Support | |
| Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles | ** Support | |
| Jewish Federation Los Angeles | ** Support | |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles | ** Support | |
| Jewish Federation of Orange County | ** Support | |
| Jewish Federation of The Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys | ** Support | |
| Jewish Free Loan Association | ** Support | |
| Jewish Long Beach | ** Support | |
| Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation | ** Support | |
| Jewish Public Affairs Committee | * Support | Jul 3, 2024 |
| Jewish Silicon Valley | ** Support | |
| Jewish Voice for Peace | * Against | Jul 3, 2024 |
| Marin and Sonoma Counties | ** Support | |
| Sacramento Unified School District | * Against | Jul 3, 2024 |
| StandWithUs | ** Support | |
| State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond | ** Support | |
| The Genocide Education Project | ** Support |
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Anna Caballero, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular Session
AB 2918 (Zbur) - Pupil instruction: ethnic studies
Version: July 3, 2024 | Policy Vote: ED. 5 - 0 |
Urgency: No | Mandate: Yes |
Hearing Date: August 5, 2024 | Consultant: Lenin Del Castillo |
Bill Summary:
This bill requires, before adopting a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies, or revising any existing ethnic studies course or instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies, a local educational agency (LEA) to ensure that the course and instructional materials are developed in conjunction with specified stakeholders, including certificated teachers, classified public school staff, and parents and guardians of pupils.
Fiscal Impact:
The activities necessary for LEAs to comply with this measure could be deemed to be reimbursable by the Commission on State Mandates resulting in additional, unknown Proposition 98 General Fund costs. These activities include the process that LEAs must undertake prior to the adoption or revision of an ethnic studies course and/or instructional materials, and informing parents and guardians regarding the development of this process and how they can participate. The actual costs would depend upon a determination by the Commission regarding specific elements of the bill that may be deemed reimbursable, should LEAs file a successful mandate claim, and also how LEAs elect to comply with the bill’s requirements.
Background:
Existing law requires students, in order to graduate from high school and commencing with the 2025-26 school year, and with pupils graduating in the 29-30 school year, to complete a one-semester course in ethnic studies that meet one for four permitted options:
- A course based on the model curriculum developed by the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC).
- An existing ethnic studies course.
- An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements of the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU).
- A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school.
Existing law requires the curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for an ethnic studies or course to meet all of the following:
- Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners.
- Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category of a protected class.
- Not teach or promote religious doctrine.
Existing law prohibits a governing board from adopting any instructional materials for use in the schools that, in its determination, contain any matter reflecting adversely upon persons based on race or ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, and occupation, and any sectarian or denominational doctrine or propaganda contrary to law. It also requires all instructional materials adopted by any governing board for use in the schools shall be, to the satisfaction of the governing board, accurate, objective, current, and suited to the needs and comprehension of pupils at their respective grade levels.
Proposed Law:
This bill requires, before adopting a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies, or revising any existing ethnic studies course or instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies, an LEA to meet specified requirements and ensure that the course and instructional materials are developed in conjunction with specified stakeholders, including certificated teachers, classified public school staff, and parents and guardians of pupils.
This bill allows an LEA to pilot the course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies consistent with the guidelines set forth in the “Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions” adopted by the SBE.
This bill requires a governing board of a district and charter school to provide a notice to parents and guardians before developing an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials, and to inform parents and guardians of the development process that will be undertaken, how to participate in the development, and how to provide feedback on the course or instructional materials. It also specifies that the adoption process shall comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act.
This bill requires each LEA to submit a signed certification to CDE and SBE that the ethnic studies course or instructional materials comply with the bill’s criteria. This bill also provides an exemption for an LEA that has already formally adopted an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies or is in the process of doing so, as specified.
This bill adds to the existing list of criteria that ethnic studies courses and materials must meet, including specified code sections regarding respect and acceptance and the focus on experiences of communities in the United States.
Related Legislation:
AB 101 (Medina, Chapter 661, Statues of 2021), requires students, commencing with the graduating class of 2029-30, to complete a one semester course in ethnic studies that meets specified requirements, in order to receive a high school diploma.
AB 2016 (Alejo, Chapter 327, Statues of 2016) requires the development of a model curriculum in ethnic studies and required school districts which elect to offer one course in ethnic studies to make the course available in at least one year during a student’s enrollment in grades 9-12.
Staff Comments: AB 101 (Medina, Chapter 661, Statues of 2021) requires students to complete a one semester course in ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement that meets specified criteria. It can be an ethnic studies course based on the model curriculum approved by the SBE or a locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the LEA’s governing board as long as it is first presented at a public meeting of the governing board at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course.
This bill requires, before the adoption or revision of an ethnic studies course or instructional materials, or revising any existing ethnic studies course or instructional materials, an LEA to ensure that the course and instructional materials are developed in conjunction with specified stakeholders, including certificated teachers, classified public school staff, and parents and guardians of pupils. It also requires LEAs to provide notice to parents and guardians before the development of this process, how to participate, and how to provide feedback on the course or instructional materials.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Josh Newman, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular
Bill No: Hearing Date: July 3, 2024
Author: | |||
Version: |
| ||
Urgency: | Fiscal: | ||
Consultant: | |||
Subject: .
SUMMARY
This bill requires the governing board of an local educational agency (LEA) and governing body of a charter to allow teachers, parents, guardians, and community members to review locally adopted ethnic studies courses, as specified, and creates conditions and parameters for ethnic studies courses.
BACKGROUND
Existing Law:
Education Code (EC)
- Requires, among other things in order for a student to graduate from high school commencing the 2025-26 school year, and with pupils graduating the 29-30 school year, schools to offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies that meet one for four permitted options:
- A course based on the model curriculum developed by the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC).
- An existing ethnic studies course.
- An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements of the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU).
- A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. (EC § 51225.3 (a)(1)(G)(ii))
- Requires the curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for an ethnic studies or course, described in 1) above, meet all of the following:
- Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners.
- Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category of a protected class.
- Not teach or promote religious doctrine. (EC § 51225.3 (a)(1)(G)(vii))
- Prohibits a governing board from adopting any instructional materials for use in the schools that, in its determination, contain any matter reflecting adversely upon persons based on race or ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, and occupation, and any sectarian or denominational doctrine or propaganda contrary to law. (EC § 60044)
- Requires all instructional materials adopted by any governing board for use in the schools shall be, to the satisfaction of the governing board, accurate, objective, current, and suited to the needs and comprehension of pupils at their respective grade levels. (EC § 60045)
ANALYSIS
This bill:
Adds Additional Parameters For Locally Developed Ethnic Studies Courses
- Requires the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, prior to approving a locally developed ethnic studies course, or any instructional materials for a locally developed ethnic studies course, a school district or charter school, to be reviewed by, with a majority of teachers, parents, guardians, and community members, as specified and consistent with the guidelines set forth in the “Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions” adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE).
Creates Conditions for Governing Boards and Bodies for Some Ethnic Studies Courses
- Requires a school district or charter school that seeks to adopt a locally developed ethnic studies course or an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements of the UC and the CSU, to do all of the following:
- Include, and submit the California Department of Education (CDE) and the SBE, a detailed written justification explaining why the school district or charter school declined to adopt a course based on the model curriculum developed by the IQC, as well as a full and complete explanation of the ways in which those courses differs from the model curriculum developed by the IQC.
- Make the proposal to adopt a adopt a locally developed ethnics studies course or an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements publically available at least 30 days before being first presented at a public meeting.
- Provide a written notice to parents and guardians, and post on its website when a locally developed ethnic studies course or an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements is proposed and opportunity for public comment in addition to citing guidance developed by the CDE related to information about educational laws and policies that safeguard the right to an accurate and inclusive curriculum.
- Requires the district superintendent and the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school to submit a signed certification to the CDE and the SBE that a proposed or adopted course locally developed ethnic studies course or an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements Is factually and historically accurate complies with all applicable laws and policies, as specified.
- Requires the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school to make publically available on the internet website, if that ethnic course is an existing course, a locally developed ethnic studies course, or an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements, adopted course and related material for the public.
Adds New Requirements For Ethnic Studies Course Permitted By Statute
- Requires the appropriateness of an ethnic studies course for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners be determined, with emphasis on principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected classes.
- Requires that an ethnic studies course does not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any protected class is determined with emphasis on principles of cultural competency, including consideration of the perspectives of, and consultation with, recognized and established leadership of the communities protected classes.
- Ensure that an ethnic studies course fosters respect and acceptance and focuses on the experiences of communities of the United States.
Creates A New Requirement For Contracted Ethnic Studies Course Resources
- Requires a school district or charter school that enters into a contract for the purpose of developing resources for an ethnic studies course to submit the contract to CDE and SBE with signed certification that those resources are factually and historically accurate and comply with all applicable laws and policies, as specified.
STAFF COMMENTS
- Need for the bill. According to the author, “In California, we celebrate our diversity, recognizing it as a cornerstone of our identity and strength as a community. As such, it is crucial that our schools' curriculums reflect this diversity, fostering understanding, respect, and appreciation for the multitude of cultural perspectives and experiences that enrich our society. AB 2918 embodies this commitment to inclusive education by strengthening transparency requirements and anti-discrimination protections when school districts deviate from the state’s model curriculum. This bill specifically requires school districts wanting to create their own ethnic studies course to explain why and how it differs from the state’s model curriculum. This explanation must be submitted to the Department of Education, made available online at least 30 days prior to a public meeting, and parents must be notified with an opportunity to provide feedback. School officials must confirm the course follows all laws, and all adopted courses must be publicly available on the district’s website.”
- How Curriculum, Standards, Frameworks, and Model Curricula Are Created and Adopted. The Legislature has vested the IQC and SBE with the authority to develop and adopt state curriculum and instructional materials. The IQC develops curriculum frameworks in each subject by convening expert panels, developing drafts, and holding public hearings to solicit input. Changes are frequently made in response to public comment. The SBE then adopts the frameworks in a public meeting. The SBE also adopts, in a public process, instructional materials aligned to those frameworks for grades K-8. These existing processes involve practitioners and experts who have an in-depth understanding of curriculum and instruction, including the full scope and sequence of the curriculum in each subject and at each grade level, constraints on instructional time and resources, and the relationship of curriculum to state assessments and other measures of student progress.
In March 2018, the SBE adopted the ethnic studies model curriculum. The development process sparked controversy due to concerns over which groups the curriculum would include and some specifics in the initial draft. After public comment periods and revisions, the CDE recommended that the model curriculum expand the breadth and depth of the four foundational disciplines of ethnic studies—African American Studies, Asian American Studies, Chicana/o/x Latina/o/x Studies, and Native American Studies. Additionally, the CDE proposed updating and expanding existing resources to reflect California's diversity by offering instructional materials that include the voices of identities intersecting with ethnic studies, such as Arab Americans, Armenian Americans, Jewish Americans, and Sikh Americans.
It should be noted that the model curriculum adopted by the SBE is one of the four permitted types of ethnic studies courses a school may use to meet the ethnic studies graduation requirement.
- Local School Boards: How Instructional Materials Are Adopted. While the IQC develops and SBE adopts model frameworks, local governing boards are responsible for adopting instructional materials that align with core academic content standards in a model framework.
When developing model frameworks, the SBE identifies instructional materials (state-adopted materials) that align with a core academic content standard of a framework. Once the SBE adopts instructional materials for a particular subject, those materials remain on the list of adopted materials for that subject until the SBE adopts a new list. A local governing board may use something other than the state-adopted instructional materials. (EC 60210)
A local governing board must also adopt instructional materials recommended state-adopted materials as long as they meet the core academic content standards of the appropriate subject framework and complies with the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful Education (FAIR) Act. (EC 60210 & 60040). When adopting material, the local governing must ensure that most of the participants of any review process conducted by the LEA are classroom teachers assigned to the subject area or grade level of the materials (EC 60210 (c)). Furthermore, governing boards must also promote the involvement of parents and other community members in selecting instructional materials. (EC 60002). By the end of the eighth week of school, the local board shall decide, through a resolution, whether each pupil in the school district has instructional materials that are aligned with the content standards and that are consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum framework adopted by the SBE for the following:
- Mathematics;
- Science;
- History-Social Science; and
- English language arts, including an adopted program's English language development component.
The complete program must be available for the local board to make this determination. (EC 60119)
The Addition of Ethnic Studies: Flexibility in Course Offerings
As part of AB 101 (Medina, Chapter 661, Statues of 2021), the Legislature permitted school district and charter school governing boards to meet the high school graduation requirements through a pupil’s completion of any of the following types of courses:
- An ethnics studies course based on the model curriculum approved by the SBE;
- An existing ethnic studies course (prior to the passage of AB 101 (Medina, Chapter 661, Statues of 2021) some districts already developed, adopted, and offered an ethnic studies course to students);
- An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements of the UC and the CSU (prior to the passage of AB 101 (Medina, Chapter 661, Statues of 2021) some districts had already developed, adopted and offered an ethnic studies course approved by the UC to meet the A-G requirement for social studies); or
- A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school that requires the proposed course to first be presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and to not be approved until a subsequent public meeting of the governing board or governing body at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course. (EC 51225.3 (a)(1)(G)(ii))
This bill imposes specified conditions on ethnic studies courses, specifically courses in categories c) and d), in order for those courses to be adopted while excluding ethnic studies courses developed under a) entirely and b) with regard to meeting certain conditions. The Committee may wish to consider whether the new conditions should appropriately apply to all types of ethnic studies courses permitted by statute. It should be noted that this bill, which establishes certain parameters and criteria, are not required for other subject areas.
In addition to specifying the types of ethnic studies courses that a school district and charter school governing boards may approve to help students meet the high school graduation requirement, AB 101 (Medina, Chapter 661, Statutes of 2021) also specifies the curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials all types of ethnic studies courses, list in a) - d) above must meet all of the following:
- Be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners.
- Not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons on the basis of any category of a protected class.
- Not teach or promote religious doctrine. (EC 51225.3 (a)(1)(G)(vii))
This bill would require a governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school to consult with recognized and established leadership of the communities protected by protected classes to determine the appropriateness for use with pupils of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, pupils with disabilities, and English learners (as shown in e) above) and does not reflect or promote, directly or indirectly, any bias, bigotry, or discrimination against any person or group of persons based on any category under protected classes (as specified in f) above).
The Committee may wish to consider whether this interaction would be more suitable during the development stage of a course and its materials rather than once the course and materials are going to be adopted.
- Committee Amendments. Committee staff recommends the following amendments:
- Remove and recast the provisions of AB 2918 to do the following:
- Require, beginning January 1, 2025, prior to adopting a course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies, or revising any existing ethnic studies course or instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies, as specified, a local educational agency to ensure that the course and instructional materials is developed in conjunction with stakeholders and meet certain criteria as specified.
- Allows an LEA to pilot the course in ethnic studies or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies consistent with the guidelines set forth in the “Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions” adopted by the SBE.
- Requires a governing board of a district and charter school to provide a notice to parents and guardians before a proposed course is developed, informing parents and guardians of the development process that will be undertaken and informing them of how to participate in the development of the course or how to provide feedback to proposed materials.
- Specifies the adoption process shall comply with the Ralph M. Brown Act.
- Requires each governing board of an LEA and charter school to self-certify and submit to CDE and SBE that the course and the materials comply with specified criteria.
- Exempts an LEA or charter school that has already formally adopted an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies, or is in the process of adopting an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials for a course in ethnic studies, unless that exempt LEA or charter school wishes to add an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials, or revise their ethnic studies course or any instructional materials, which in that event, must comply with the specified criteria.
- Adds, to the existing list of criteria ethnic studies courses and materials must meet, specified code sections and fostering respect and acceptance, and focus on the experiences of communities in the United States.
- Requires, beginning January 1, 2025, any school district or charter school that enters into a contract for the purpose of developing resources for use in an ethnic studies course, as specified, that the school district or charter school must specified criteria.
- Remove and recast the provisions of AB 2918 to do the following:
- Related Legislation.
AB 101 (Medina, Chapter 661, Statues of 2021), requires students, commencing with the graduating class of 2029-30, to complete a one semester course in ethnic studies that meets specified requirements, in order to receive a high school diploma, and requires, commencing with the 2025–26 school year, that LEAs and charter schools serving students in grades 9 through 12 offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies.
AB 2772 (Medina, 2019) was substantially similar to AB 101 (Medina, Chapter 661, Statues of 2021) but ultimately would have established a three-year grant program to require the CDE, contingent upon funding, to award grants to school districts to fund a semester- or year-long course in ethnic studies as part of a local graduation requirement in ethnic studies that is applicable to all students. AB 2772 was vetoed by Governor Brown, with the following message:
“This bill establishes a three-year grant program for school districts that require ethnic studies in order to graduate.
School districts already can, and are, requiring ethnic studies for graduation. While I recognize the value of these courses, I am reluctant to encourage yet another graduation requirement, especially when students are already overburdened by multiple tests and endless hours of homework.”
AB 2016 (Alejo, Chapter 327, Statues of 2016) required the development of a model curriculum in ethnic studies and required school districts which elect to offer one course in ethnic studies to make the course available in at least one year during a student’s enrollment in grades 9-12.
AB 1689 (Low, 2015) would have required, beginning with the high school class of 2022-23, that at least one of the courses required for graduation include a service-learning component. This bill was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
AB 524 (Low, 2015) would have required, beginning with the high school class of 2020-21, that at least one of the courses required for graduation include a service-learning component. This bill was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
SUPPORT
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond
AJC San Francisco
Anti Defamation League
Central Valley Holocaust Educators' Network
ETTA
Faith and Community Empowerment
Hadassah
Hillel at UCLA
Holocaust Museum LA
Inland & Desert Hillel Council
JCRC Bay Area
Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
Jewish Community Relations Council Sacramento
Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula,
Marin and Sonoma Counties
Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles
Jewish Federation Los Angeles
Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
Jewish Federation of Orange County
Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys
Jewish Free Loan Association
Jewish Long Beach
Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation
Jewish Public Affairs Committee
Jewish Silicon Valley
StandWithUs
The Genocide Education Project
OPPOSITION
None received
-- END --
Date of Hearing: April 24, 2024
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2918
Author:(Zbur) – As Amended Ver:March 18, 2024
Policy Committee: | Business and Professions | Vote: | 18 - 0 |
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC), after receiving a change-of-address notification from a licensee, to make the necessary changes in board records and, where applicable, in the licensee’s public profile maintained on the BBC’s internet website.
FISCAL EFFECT:
No state costs. The BBC anticipates no additional workload or need for IT updates.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. According to the author:
AB 2918 enhances transparency and accountability within the regulatory framework of the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. It mandates the timely updating of licensee addresses on the board's website, bridging any discrepancies between internal board records and the public records on this website. This bill ensures consumers have reliable access to up-to-date information about licensed professionals, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding which provider to go to.
- Background. The BBC, within the Department of Consumer Affairs, is responsible for licensing and regulating barbers, cosmetologists, hairstylists, estheticians, electrologists, manicurists, apprentices, and establishments. The BBC oversees more than 615,000 licensees. Recent data shows the BBC annually issues approximately 261,000 licenses (initial and renewal licenses) and administers approximately 28,000 written examinations.
The Barbering and Cosmetology Act requires every licensee, except establishments, to notify the BBC within 30 days after a change of address. The licensee must provide the BBC with their new address. At that time, the BBC is required to “make the necessary changes in the register.” The term “register” is an outdated description of how the BBC publishes information about its licensees, including addresses of record. Instead, information about licensees is found on the BBC’s website, which offers a license search feature through the BBC’s utilization of the BreEZe information technology system.
This bill updates the Barbering and Cosmetology Act to, rather than require the BBC to make changes in the register, require the BBC to update the licensee’s address in the licensee’s public profile maintained on the BBC’s internet website.
Analysis Prepared by: Jennifer Swenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing:
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS
Marc Berman, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2918
Author:(Zbur) – As Amended Ver:March 18, 2024
SUBJECT: State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology: licensee information.
SUMMARY: Makes technical changes to existing law requiring the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) to update the addresses of its licensees on public records.
EXISTING LAW:
- Establishes the BBC within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to license barbers, cosmetologists, hairstylists, electrologists, estheticians, and manicurists pursuant to the Barbering and Cosmetology Act. (Business and Professions Code (BPC) §§ 7301 et seq.)
- Provides that protection of the public is the highest priority for the BBC. (BPC § 7303.1)
- Requires the BBC to engage in specified activities, including the making of rules and regulations, the development and administration of examinations, and the issuance of licenses. (BPC § 7312)
- Establishes various requirements for individuals to submit applications to the BBC for licensure or license renewal. (BPC §§ 7396 – 7402.5)
- Requires licensees of the board, except for establishments to notify the BBC within 30 days of a change of address, and requires the BBC to make necessary changes in the register. (BPC § 7400)
- Requires entities within the DCA to publish on the internet information regarding every license issued by that entity, including the licensee’s address of record. (BPC § 27)
THIS BILL:
- Provides that, after receiving a change of address notification from a licensee, the BBC shall make the necessary changes in any board records and, where applicable, in the licensee’s public profile maintained on the BBC’s internet website.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown; this bill is keyed fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. This bill is sponsored by the author. According to the author:
“AB 2918 enhances transparency and accountability within the regulatory framework of the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. It mandates the timely updating of licensee addresses on the board's website, bridging any discrepancies between internal board records and the public records on this website. This bill ensures consumers have reliable access to up-to-date information about licensed professionals, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding which provider to go to.”
Background.
State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The BBC is responsible for licensing and regulating barbers, cosmetologists, hairstylists, estheticians, electrologists, manicurists, apprentices, and establishments. The BBC is one of the largest boards in the country, with over 615,000 licensees. As of the board’s most recent sunset review, the BBC annually issues approximately 261,000 licenses (initial and renewal licenses) and administers approximately 28,000 written examinations (initial and retake examinees). Each profession has its own scope of practice, entry-level requirements, and professional settings, with some overlap in areas. In addition to licensing individuals, the BBC approves schools.
Address Disclosure Requirements. Provisions of law generally applicable to entities under the DCA require boards “provide on the internet information regarding the status of every license issued by that entity in accordance with the California Public Records Act … and the Information Practices Act.” The statute specifically requires that the public information include “information on suspensions and revocations of licenses issued by the entity and other related enforcement action, including accusations filed pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act … taken by the entity relative to persons, businesses, or facilities subject to licensure or regulation by the entity.” Additional statutes provide for further requirements for individual boards within the DCA to post specified information about licensees on their websites.
This section of law specifically states that “each entity shall disclose a licensee’s address of record.” Statute specifically states that this address does not need to be a home address, but that “each entity shall allow a licensee to provide a post office box number or other alternate address, instead of the licensee’s home address, as the address of record.” Boards are allowed to require a physical business address or residence address for its internal administrative use; however, that information would not be disclosed if an alternate address of record has been provided.
The Barbering and Cosmetology Act requires every licensee, with the exception of establishments, to notify the BBC within 30 days after a change of address. The licensee must provide the BBC with their new address. At that time, the BBC is required to “make the necessary changes in the register.”
The term “register” is not an accurate description of how the BBC publishes information about its licensees, including addresses of record. Instead, information about licensees is found on the BBC’s website, which offers a license search feature through the BBC’s utilization of the BrEZe information technology system. This bill would update the Barbering and Cosmetology Act to reflect that rather than requiring the BBC to make necessary changes in the register, the BBC shall update the licensee’s address in the licensee’s public profile maintained on the BBC’s internet website. This technical update better reflects the BBC’s compliance with laws governing public disclosure of licensee information through the use of its website.
Current Related Legislation.
AB 2444 (Lee) would require the BBC to disseminate informational materials on basic labor laws to its licensees. This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment.
SB 1084 (Nguyen) would abolish the hairstylist license and remove various services from the scopes of practice of barbering and cosmetology. This bill is pending in the Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development.
Prior Related Legislation.
SB 372 (Menjivar, Chapter 225, Statutes of 2023) required boards under the DCA to replace references to a licensee’s former name or gender on any website upon request when the licensee’s name was changed due to a court-ordered change in gender or under circumstances that resulted in participation in state’s address confidentiality program.
SB 803 (Roth, Chapter 648, Statutes of 2021) extended the operation of the BBC and, among other things, reduced the required number of hours for courses in barbering and cosmetology to 1,000 hours and established a hairstylist license.
REGISTERED SUPPORT:
None on file.
REGISTERED OPPOSITION:
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by: Robert Sumner / B. & P. / (916) 319-3301
Discussed in Hearing
53MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
1H
Senate Standing Committee on Education
3MIN
