Bill > H604

This bill aims to enhance education about Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) history in Massachusetts public schools by establishing comprehensive curriculum requirements and a dedicated funding mechanism. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the bill mandates that school districts include learning and discussion about APIDA history, focusing on the political, economic, cultural, and social contributions of APIDA individuals in the United States. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will update the state's History and Social Science Curriculum Frameworks to incorporate APIDA history, with instruction designed to promote diverse perspectives, address historical prejudice and racism, and reject systemic racism. A new APIDA History Education Trust Fund will be created to support this initiative, funded through donations, grants, and revenue from hate crime and civil rights violation fines. The bill requires the department to annually assess school districts' compliance with the new curricular standards and provides support for educators through training and access to high-quality curricular materials. While the instruction is not mandated for every school year, districts are expected to integrate APIDA history appropriately within their existing curriculum.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H604