WA SB5177

Amends RCW 28A.300.479 to require the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to consider experiences of historically marginalized groups when creating professional development resources for school district staff

Professional development topics covered include social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, mental health literacy, antibullying strategies, and culturally sustaining practices

Resources must specifically address student experiences related to: disabilities, neurodivergence, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, homelessness, race/ethnicity, religion, national origin, and immigration status

Legislative findings cite that 42% of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide in 2021 compared to 22% of youth overall, and that LGBTQ-affirming schools reduce suicidal ideation

Adolescents with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are up to 10 times more likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to neurotypical peers, according to cited NIH research