Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 49, Chapter 50.

This bill creates a five-member state oversight committee for the inclusion of African American history. All persons appointed to the committee must be knowledgeable in the subject of African American history. The committee will consist of:<br /> <br /> (1) One teacher in grades four through eight, appointed by the speaker of the senate;<br /> <br /> (2) One teacher in grades kindergarten through three, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;<br /> <br /> (3) One teacher in grades nine through 12, appointed by the governor; and<br /> <br /> (4) Two persons who are citizens of this state who are not employed in the public education system, appointed by the commissioner of education.<br /> <br /> The full text of this bill specifies various administrative and procedural requirements for the committee.<br /> <br /> The terms of initial appointees will be staggered and subsequent appointees will be appointed to three-year terms. This bill identifies the purposes of the committee as to:<br /> <br /> (1) Ensure that the state department of education and public schools in this state implement materials and textbooks that integrate the history and contributions of African Americans and the descendants of the African diaspora;<br /> <br /> (2) Include the history of Africans and African Americans as a prominent part of the social studies curriculum;<br /> <br /> (3) Ensure that teachers in this state are equipped to effectively teach revised social studies core curriculum content standards; and<br /> <br /> (4) Create and coordinate workshops, seminars, institutes, memorials, and events to raise public awareness of the prominent role African Americans have played in the growth and development of American society.<br /> <br /> This bill requires the committee to:<br /> <br /> (1) Survey and inventory educational programs, materials, and curricula being used to teach American history in public schools;<br /> <br /> (2) Guide and act as a liaison to textbook publishers, schools, resource organizations, and federal and state legislators to ensure that American history curricula are consistent with the oversight commission's goals; and<br /> <br /> (3) Compose a directory of volunteer and professional consultants who can share their knowledge of the role African Americans have played in American history.<br /> <br /> This bill requires the department of education to provide support services to the committee.<br />