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Bill > SB1026


WI SB1026

WI SB1026
Required instruction in African American history in the elementary and high school grades and making an appropriation. (FE)


summary

Introduced
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the state superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with certain organizations specified in the bill, to develop a model curriculum for all grades, from kindergarten to 12, on African American history that does all of the following: 1. Includes developmentally appropriate instruction in the history of African Americans in the United States in general, and in this state in particular, and incorporates that history into the broader context of national and state history. 2. Includes instruction in the experiences of African Americans in, and the contributions of African Americans to, the origins and development of the United States and this state. 3. Includes instruction in the anthropological migration of people into this state. LRB-6250/1 KMS:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 1026 4. Includes tools to help pupils analyze history as a means to understand current events and envision a positive multicultural society. 5. Specifies the essential knowledge and associated performance standards regarding African American history that are incorporated into the social studies curriculum in each grade. The bill also requires the state superintendent to incorporate African American history instruction that is consistent with the model curriculum into the model academic standards for social studies. The bill requires school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools to include in their social studies curriculum for every grade, from kindergarten to 12, instruction in African American history that is consistent with the model curriculum. Under the bill, DPI must employ three education consultants to assist schools with updating curriculum and providing African American history instruction. Finally, under the bill, the state superintendent may not grant a teaching license unless the applicant has received instruction in African American history that is consistent with the model curriculum. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill mandates the development of a model curriculum for all grades, from kindergarten to 12, focusing on African American history, including its general and state-specific context, contributions, and migration patterns, and equipping students with tools to analyze history for understanding current events and envisioning a multicultural society. The state superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with specified organizations and the University of Wisconsin System, will create this curriculum, which will then be integrated into the state's social studies academic standards. School boards, charter schools, and private schools will be required to implement this African American history instruction, and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will hire three education consultants to assist schools. Furthermore, individuals seeking a teaching license will need to have received instruction in African American history consistent with the model curriculum, in addition to existing requirements for instruction on the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of Wisconsin's federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands. The bill also includes an appropriation to fund these new consultant positions.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (27)

Last Action

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)

Taxonomy

Education
  • ‐ Education of Underprivileged or Underrepresented Groups
  • ‐ Elementary and Secondary Education

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location Created
State Bill Page https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb1026 02/12/2026
SB1026 ROCP for Committee on Education https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/education/1991808.pdf 05/05/2026
Fiscal Note - SB1026: Fiscal Estimate From DPI https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb1026/sb1026_dpi.pdf 02/23/2026
BillText https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB1026.pdf 02/12/2026
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