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Bill > AB1041

WI AB1041

WI AB1041
Required instruction in African American history in the elementary and high school grades and making an appropriation. (FE)

summary

Introduced
02/26/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
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. 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 comprehensive model curriculum on African American history for all grades, from kindergarten to 12, by the state superintendent of public instruction in collaboration with specified organizations, which will cover the history, experiences, and contributions of African Americans in the United States and the state, including their migration into the state, and provide tools for students to understand current events and envision a multicultural society. This model curriculum will be integrated into the state's social studies academic standards, and school boards, charter schools, and private schools will be required to implement it in their social studies instruction. To support this initiative, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will hire three education consultants to assist schools, and importantly, 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 American Indian history and tribal sovereignty. The bill also includes an appropriation to fund these new consultant positions and outlines when these requirements will take effect.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (27)

Last Action

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

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