Maryland House Bill HB1164

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23

Caption

Public Schools - Expanded American History - Development of Content Standards and Implementation

Impact

If enacted, HB 1164 would influence the social studies curricula across Maryland's public schools starting from the 2024-2025 academic year. Each county board of education will be responsible for collaborating with local school systems to update their social studies curriculum guides to incorporate the newly established content standards. This move is intended to ensure that the curriculum is more inclusive and representative of various historical perspectives that are often overlooked.

Summary

House Bill 1164 aims to enhance the educational curriculum within Maryland's public schools by requiring the development and implementation of content standards for an expanded American history. The bill mandates that the State Board of Education develop these standards by December 1, 2023. The focus will be on including the histories and contributions of diverse groups, such as African Americans, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, women, and other historically underrepresented communities.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 1164 may involve points of contention regarding how effectively it addresses educational equity and representation in history education. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step towards inclusive education, which reflects the diverse makeup of the state's population. Critics may raise concerns about the implementation of the standards or how they might affect existing curriculums, questioning if there are adequate resources and training for educators to adapt to these changes.