CT LGBT History Education Law (2021)

Connecticut: Bill No. 1202

Sec. 410. (Effective July 1, 2021) (a) Not later than January 1, 2023, the Department of Education, in collaboration with the State Education Resource Center, shall develop a model curriculum for grades kindergarten to grade eight, inclusive, that may be used by local and regional boards of education.

(b) The content of the model curriculum shall (1) be rigorous, age appropriate, aligned with curriculum guidelines approved by the State Board of Education and in accordance with the state-wide subject matter content standards, adopted by the state board pursuant to section 10-4 of the general statutes, (2) be in accordance with the program of instruction and subject matter requirements prescribed in section 10-16b of the general statutes, and (3) include and integrate throughout such model curriculum at least the following: (A) The subject matter prescribed in section 10-16b of the general statutes, (B) Native American studies, (C) Asian American and Pacific Islander studies, (D) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other sexual orientations and gender identities studies, (E) climate change, (F) personal financial management and financial literacy, (G) the military service and experience of American veterans, (H) civics and citizenship, including instruction in digital citizenship and media literacy that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely, ethically, responsibly and effectively use digital technologies to create and consume digital content, communicate with others and participate in social and civic activities, (I) the principles of social-emotional learning, and (J) racism.

(c) In developing the model curriculum, the Department of Education and State Education Resource Center (1) shall consult with persons and organizations with subject matter expertise in developing the model curriculum, and (2) may utilize existing and appropriate public or private materials, personnel and other resources, and accept gifts, grants and donations, including in-kind donations, designated for the development of the model curriculum under this section.