Kentucky House Bill HB88

Kentucky 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22

Caption

AN ACT relating to historical instruction.

Impact

Should HB 88 be enacted, the implications for state education laws will be significant. The bill requires collaboration with established organizations such as the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission to develop curricula that meet the newly established academic standards. Furthermore, local school councils will play a pivotal role in determining how these changes are implemented at the school level, which may lead to varying degrees of compliance and adaptation among different districts. Overall, the law is expected to create a more enriched curriculum that better reflects the diversity of historical experiences.

Summary

House Bill 88 seeks to enhance the educational curriculum in Kentucky by mandating that public middle and high schools include comprehensive instruction on African and Native American histories within world history and U.S. history courses. This legislation aims to foster a more inclusive understanding of history that acknowledges the contributions and cultural significance of these groups in America's narrative. By requiring these topics to be integrated into existing courses, the bill endeavors to broaden students' perspectives and ensure that all facets of history are represented in educational settings starting with the 2023-2024 academic year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 88 appears to be generally positive among advocates for more inclusive education, who argue that a well-rounded historical education is crucial for fostering understanding and respect among diverse communities. However, possible opposition may arise from those who argue against mandated curricula or view such requirements as an infringement on local educational autonomy. The discussion emphasizes the tension between the necessity of inclusive representation in education and the concerns regarding state control over local education systems.

Contention

One notable point of contention arises from the logistics of implementing the required changes to the educational curriculum. Stakeholders may debate the sufficiency of resources, funding for professional development, and the adequacy of training for teachers to adequately cover these historical subjects. While the intention of HB 88 is broadly supported, ensuring effective execution across various school districts may prove challenging and could lead to disparities in the quality of instruction provided to students regarding African and Native American histories.