New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3860

Introduced
5/9/22  

Caption

Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Indigenous people as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.

Impact

The implementation of A3860 is expected to have a profound impact on state education laws. It requires school boards to develop and adopt policies for the selection of instructional materials that accurately portray the cultural diversity of Indigenous peoples. The involvement of the New Jersey Commission on American Indian Affairs is also stipulated in the bill, ensuring that school districts receive necessary guidance and resources when integrating this new content into existing curricula. This legislative change not only enriches the educational environment but aligns state standards with contemporary educational values emphasizing inclusivity and representation.

Summary

Bill A3860, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that all school districts provide age-appropriate instruction on the history and contributions of Indigenous people as part of the Social Studies curriculum for grades K-12. The bill seeks to implement this educational requirement in accordance with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, aiming to enhance students' understanding of diverse cultural perspectives and histories. This initiative represents a significant advancement in inclusivity within the educational framework of New Jersey, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of the state’s history and the impact of Indigenous communities.

Contention

While the bill has gained support for its aim to enrich the education of New Jersey’s youth, it may also encounter challenges regarding its implementation. Concerns may arise around the adequacy of training for educators in teaching this content, the availability of appropriate instructional materials, and the overall readiness of school districts to carry out these new requirements. Potential debates may focus on whether the resources provided by the state and the Commission are sufficient to support schools in the effective delivery of this program, and how these changes will be assessed in terms of educational outcomes.

Companion Bills

NJ S2390

Same As Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Indigenous people as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.

Similar Bills

MI SB1145

Education: curriculum; 1 unit of instruction in African-American, Indigenous People, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic American, Caribbean American, Arab American, North African, Chaldean American, and Jewish American history; require. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e & 1164f.

MI HB6248

Education: curriculum; 1 unit of instruction in African-American, Indigenous People, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic American, Caribbean American, Arab American, North African, Chaldean American, and Jewish American history; require. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e & 1164f.

NJ A893

Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Indigenous people as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.

NJ S2390

Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Indigenous people as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.

CA AB71

Pupil instruction: bleeding control.

NJ A3871

Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Latino and Hispanic Americans as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

NJ S3096

Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latino and Hispanic Americans as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

NJ S2335

Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latinos and Hispanics as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards.