Maryland Senate Bill SB116

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Public Schools - Inclusive and Diverse English Language Arts - Development of Content Standards and Implementation

Impact

The bill requires all county boards of education to create and implement age-appropriate curriculum guides that align with the inclusive and diverse content standards developed by the State Board. Furthermore, starting in the 2023-2024 school year, all public schools in Maryland will be required to incorporate these standards into their English language arts curricula, fostering a more inclusive educational environment for students from all backgrounds.

Summary

Senate Bill 116 mandates the State Board of Education to establish content standards for inclusive and diverse English language arts. This legislation aims to integrate these standards into the existing state frameworks for English language arts. The focus is on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education while addressing the impacts of unconscious bias and economic disparities on students at both individual and societal levels.

Contention

Debate around SB 116 may arise regarding how to effectively implement these inclusive standards and whether they adequately reflect the diverse perspectives of Maryland's student population. Some stakeholders may question the adequacy of resources provided for training educators on these new standards and the overall impact on traditional English language education. Concerns may also be raised about balancing diversity and inclusivity with curricular integrity and academic standards.