S.B. 138 Summary

• Requires the Board of Education to include a unit of instruction on Asian American history in its curriculum, covering Asian American history in Hawaii, civil rights contributions from the 19th century onward, and contributions to U.S. economic, cultural, social, and political development.

• Directs the Superintendent of Education to prepare and distribute instructional materials to all school complex areas as guidelines for developing Asian American history education and to monitor compliance during annual visits.

• Authorizes each school complex area to determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction in Asian American history.

• Mandates that every public elementary, middle, and high school include a unit of instruction in Asian American history starting with the 2023-2024 school year, with the option to provide instruction through online programs or courses.

• Takes effect upon approval.