HOUSE BILL 171
Summary of House Bill 171
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SPONSOR(S)
Rep. Mary Lightbody (District 4) TARGETS State Board of Education Social studies model curriculum DESCRIPTION Asks the State Board of Education to diversify the social studies model curriculum for grades K-12 |
COMMITTEE
House Primary and Secondary Education Committee INTRODUCED May 10, 2023 BILL General Info | As-Written | Analysis |
What does House Bill 171 do?
Instructs the State Board of Education to accomplish the following by July 1, 2024:
- Update the model curriculum in social studies for grades K-12
- Specify age- and grade-appropriate instruction that reflects “the migration journeys, experiences, and societal contributions” of a range of communities in Ohio and in the United States
- The new model curriculum should include contributions from the following communities:
- African American communities
- Asian American and Pacific Islander communities
- Arab, African, and North African immigrant, refugee, and asylee communities
- Appalachian communities
- Jewish communities
- Latin American communities
- Native American communities
What is our position on House Bill 171?
SUPPORT
Ohio has a rich history of contributions and contributors, at the local level, around the state, nationally and internationally. We deserve social studies model curricula that reflects our diverse histories and communities!
Diversifying our social studies means more students will see themselves in their curriculum. Multiple studies show that culturally relevant instruction is more engaging to students, resulting in better academic outcomes. A 2020 study from the National Education Association showed that students of color, in particular, who participated in courses that reflected different identities, cultures, and backgrounds had a greater sense of belonging and sense of self.
Students care about themselves and others more when diverse histories and identities are taught. When students' identities are reflected in the classroom, students behave more positively toward themselves, their educators, and their peers. Research has found "a statistically significant association between observations of culturally responsive teaching and proactive behavior management practices."
All students deserve to feel like they belong in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Immigration has long played a role in Ohio's economic, political, and cultural development. In order for students to be prepared to participate in our multiracial democracy and economy, students need to understand the contributions and legacies of many diverse communities.
Diverse curriculum and instructional materials better support Ohio's educators. In 2021, the Department of Education shared that more than 90% of Ohio educators are white, and about 1 in 3 school districts in Ohio has a completely white teaching staff. Our educators need high-quality, diverse classroom materials than can support high-quality teaching.
Diversifying our social studies means more students will see themselves in their curriculum. Multiple studies show that culturally relevant instruction is more engaging to students, resulting in better academic outcomes. A 2020 study from the National Education Association showed that students of color, in particular, who participated in courses that reflected different identities, cultures, and backgrounds had a greater sense of belonging and sense of self.
Students care about themselves and others more when diverse histories and identities are taught. When students' identities are reflected in the classroom, students behave more positively toward themselves, their educators, and their peers. Research has found "a statistically significant association between observations of culturally responsive teaching and proactive behavior management practices."
All students deserve to feel like they belong in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Immigration has long played a role in Ohio's economic, political, and cultural development. In order for students to be prepared to participate in our multiracial democracy and economy, students need to understand the contributions and legacies of many diverse communities.
Diverse curriculum and instructional materials better support Ohio's educators. In 2021, the Department of Education shared that more than 90% of Ohio educators are white, and about 1 in 3 school districts in Ohio has a completely white teaching staff. Our educators need high-quality, diverse classroom materials than can support high-quality teaching.
Educating for Ohio's Future
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House Bill 171 is also known as Educating for Ohio's Future, and it's supported by a diverse coalition, including:
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Learn more about Educating for Ohio's Future HERE
TAKE ACTION
SHOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY
**DO NOT SEND TESTIMONY UNTIL THE APPROPRIATE HEARING IS ANNOUNCED**
STEP 1:
PREPARE YOUR TESTIMONY
Read tips for preparing and submitting testimony HERE
STEP 2:
EMAIL TESTIMONY DOCUMENTS TO COMMITTEE
Email a PDF of your testimony & this completed Witness Slip to
OHRPrimary&[email protected]
**IMPORTANT**
Do NOT send your testimony until the appropriate hearing is announced.
Indicate in your email that you are submitting proponent testimony this bill and ask for a confirmation of receipt.
All testimony will be uploaded HERE
STEP 3:
ARRIVE EARLY FOR IN-PERSON TESTIMONY
Arrive at least 1 hour prior to the scheduled hearing
There is convenient parking in the Statehouse Parking Garage
Sign in on the witness roster in the hearing room
**DO NOT SEND TESTIMONY UNTIL THE APPROPRIATE HEARING IS ANNOUNCED**
STEP 1:
PREPARE YOUR TESTIMONY
Read tips for preparing and submitting testimony HERE
STEP 2:
EMAIL TESTIMONY DOCUMENTS TO COMMITTEE
Email a PDF of your testimony & this completed Witness Slip to
OHRPrimary&[email protected]
**IMPORTANT**
Do NOT send your testimony until the appropriate hearing is announced.
Indicate in your email that you are submitting proponent testimony this bill and ask for a confirmation of receipt.
All testimony will be uploaded HERE
STEP 3:
ARRIVE EARLY FOR IN-PERSON TESTIMONY
Arrive at least 1 hour prior to the scheduled hearing
There is convenient parking in the Statehouse Parking Garage
Sign in on the witness roster in the hearing room