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CS/HB 551 — Required African-American Instruction
by Education Quality Subcommittee and Reps. Benjamin, Fine, and others (SB 804 by Senator Simon)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K -12 Committee (ED)
The bill requires each district school board to annually certify and provide to the Department of Education (DOE) evidence of specified instruction on the history of African Americans.
The bill allows the DOE to seek input from any state or nationally recognized African American educational organization regarding development of standards and curriculum for African American history. The bill authorizes the DOE to contract with any such educational organization to develop training for instructional personnel and grade appropriate classroom resources to support the developed curriculum.
The bill requires each district school board to submit an implementation plan for the required instruction under s. 1003.42(2), F.S., to the Commissioner of Education (commissioner) for review and to post the plan to the school district’s website. The plan must include methods of instruction, the qualifications of instructional personnel delivering the instruction, and a description of the instructional materials. The commissioner or DOE must notify a school district if the plan does not satisfy requirements, and allow a minimum of 45 days for revisions to the plan.
The bill authorizes the DOE to exercise oversight enforcement authority for non-compliance.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2023.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 116-0