Bill > HB259

This bill requires the Missouri State Board of Education to develop and implement academic performance standards for Black history and Black literature education. Specifically, the board will convene a work group comprising educators, department representatives, and nonprofit organizations focused on Black history and literature to create curriculum frameworks for these subjects. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, each school district will be mandated to require students to complete one unit of credit in Black history and one unit of credit in Black literature before graduating high school. The work group will develop standards designed to ensure students gain the necessary knowledge and skills in these areas. The bill allows for a potential waiver for transfer students who can provide documentation of completing a substantially similar course of instruction from another state. This legislation aims to enhance students' understanding of Black history and literature by making these subjects a formal part of the high school curriculum.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB259&year=2025&code=R