New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2390

Introduced
3/24/22  

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 bill requires each board of education to adopt specific policies and procedures for selecting instructional materials. These materials must accurately represent the cultural diversity of Indigenous peoples, thus ensuring that educational content is relevant and respectful. Additionally, the New Jersey Commission on American Indian Affairs is tasked with providing assistance and advice to school districts for effective implementation of this instruction. This collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural knowledge into the state's educational framework.

Summary

Senate Bill 2390 mandates that New Jersey school districts incorporate age-appropriate instruction regarding the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the United States into their Social Studies curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade. The bill aims to enhance the educational experience by ensuring that students gain an understanding of Indigenous cultures, values, and historical context as part of the state's learning standards. This educational approach intends to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates the cultural diversity of Indigenous peoples.

Contention

While there may be broad support for the integration of Indigenous history into school curricula, there is ongoing debate around how effectively these educational standards can be implemented. Potential challenges include the availability of suitable instructional materials and ensuring that educators are adequately trained to deliver such content effectively. Opponents may raise concerns about the potential for misrepresentation or oversimplification of complex Indigenous histories, thus stressing the need for authentic engagement with Indigenous communities in developing these educational resources.

Companion Bills

NJ A3860

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 A3860

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 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.

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.