WI
Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB638

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB638

Introduced
11/8/23  
Refer
11/8/23  
Report Pass
2/7/24  
Refer
2/7/24  
Engrossed
2/20/24  
Refer
2/26/24  

Caption

Requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents.

Impact

If enacted, AB638 would amend the existing statutes governing school boards, introducing new requirements for how instructional materials and curricula are made available to residents. It aims to enhance the public's ability to review educational resources and ensure that they align with community standards and values. By enhancing access to educational content, this bill emphasizes the importance of community oversight in educational settings and potentially shapes school board policies regarding the selection and adoption of materials.

Summary

Assembly Bill 638 mandates that school boards in Wisconsin must comply with written requests from district residents to inspect textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials. The bill specifies a timeframe of 14 days for school boards to fulfill such requests, ensuring that community members have access to educational materials used within their schools. This promotes a sense of transparency and accountability regarding what students are taught in the classroom, facilitating parental and community engagement in educational matters.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions around the balance between educational transparency and administrative burden. Supporters advocate for increased parental involvement and oversight of educational content, arguing that it fosters a collaborative environment between schools and communities. Critics, however, express concerns regarding the feasibility of complying with such requests and the potential for overly politicized content review processes. They worry that the bill may place undue pressure on school boards and disrupt the educational process by allowing any resident to challenge or inspect materials without clear guidelines.

Latest AB638 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB606

Requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents.

WI AB5

Requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents.

WI SB22

Requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents.

WI HB1643

Requiring school districts to make curriculum and instructional materials available on their web pages.

WI S1571

Requires public schools to post curriculum plans online; requires school districts to make textbooks or other materials used in implementing curriculum plans available for inspection by parents and legal guardians.

WI HB4328

Schools; inspection of instructional material; requiring all library media program material to be available for public inspection; effective date.

WI S412

Requires public schools to post curriculum plans online; requires school districts to make textbooks or other materials used in implementing curriculum plans available for inspection by parents and legal guardians.

WI A3204

Requires public schools to post curriculum plans online; requires school districts to make textbooks or other materials used in implementing curriculum plans available for inspection by parents and legal guardians.

WI A370

Requires public schools to post curriculum plans online; requires school districts to make textbooks or other materials used in implementing curriculum plans available for inspection by parents and legal guardians.

WI SB866

Schools; requiring written consent to participate in certain curriculum; directing certain curriculum and materials be available for inspection. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.

TX SB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.

TX SB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; providing penalties.

TX HB6

Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools, and the administration of state assessment instruments to public school students.

TX SB2275

Relating to the adoption of the public school curriculum and textbooks; transferring authority from the State Board of Education to the commissioner of education.

TX HB3504

Relating to transferring primary authority for the adoption of the public school curriculum and textbooks from the State Board of Education to the commissioner of education.

TX SB1642

Relating to transferring primary authority for the adoption of the public school curriculum and textbooks from the State Board of Education to the commissioner of education.

NJ S412

Requires public schools to post curriculum plans online; requires school districts to make textbooks or other materials used in implementing curriculum plans available for inspection by parents and legal guardians.