Relating to education, including requiring instruction related to persons with disabilities in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools in kindergarten through grade eight, modifying the responsibilities of the state board of education, and modifying provisions related to school district and accredited nonpublic school programs that are designed to eliminate harassment and bullying

This bill relates to education, including requiring instruction related to persons with disabilities in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools in kindergarten through grade eight, modifying the responsibilities of the state board of education, and modifying provisions related to school district and accredited nonpublic school programs that are designed to eliminate harassment and bullying. The bill requires that, commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2024, the kindergarten program in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, and the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, shall include age-appropriate and research-based instruction related to persons with disabilities, including physical disabilities and visual and hearing impairment, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the history of persons with disabilities in this state. The bill requires the state board of education to adopt rules that establish standards for this instruction in consultation with the parents of students enrolled in schools as well as teachers and administrators. Current law encourages the board of directors of a school district and the authorities in charge of each accredited nonpublic school to establish programs designed to eliminate harassment and bullying in schools. The bill modifies this provision to require the establishment of such programs. Current law also requires school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to develop a process to provide school employees, volunteers, and students with the skills and knowledge to help reduce incidents of harassment and bullying. The bill requires this process to include annual education related to the effects of bullying, including the effects of bullying through electronic communication and social media.