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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 59th Legislature (2023)
HOUSE BILL 2115 By: Swope
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to school curriculum; directing the
State Department of Education in certain consultat ion
to develop curriculum related to Native American
history and culture for students in certain grades;
requiring Native American history and culture be
taught in public schools beginning in certain school
year; allowing curriculum on Native American history
and culture to be integrated in courses; directing
the State Department of Education to develop certain
professional learning opportunities; providing for
codification; providing an effective date; and
declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAH OMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as S ection 11-103.6p of Title 70, unless
there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. The State Department of Education, in consultation with
experts in Native American history and culture , shall develop and
make available to public schools curriculum related to Native
American history and culture for grade-appropriate instruction of
students in grades six through twelve.
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B. Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, Native American
history and culture shall be taught to students in grades six
through twelve in public schools in this state , as prescribed in the
Oklahoma Academic Standards . Native American history and culture
may be integrated into one or more existing courses of study and
shall be taught in a manner that:
1. Generates an understanding of the experiences and
contributions of Native Americans to Ameri can history and culture ;
2. Develops dialogue with students on the ramifications of
bullying, bigotry, stereotyping, and discrimination; and
3. Encourages tolerance of diversity and reverence for human
dignity for all citizens in a pluralistic socie ty.
C. The State Department of Education, in consultation with
experts in Native American hist ory and culture, shall develop and
implement high quality professional learning opportunities for
teachers covering Native American history and culture .
SECTION 2. This act shall become effective July 1, 2023.
SECTION 3. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof thi s act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
59-1-6728 CMA 01/18/23