SB 702 Social studies standards review

SB 702 VOTE: NO
Signed into Law by Gov Brown on 06/23/21
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/SB702

Chief Sponsors: by Sens. Dembrow (D. SD-23) & Manning Jr. (D, SD-7)  Why would Representatives (and our Governor, who signed the law) want to shut out parents in decisions regarding what their children will be taught in school?

This bill requires State Board of Education to review social studies standards by December 31, 2025. Establishes consultation requirements and considerations.

Personal Choice and Responsibility
Without public and parent input, how can parents critic and make sure critical race theory does not dominate.

Limited Government
Currently, Oregon’s content standards for K-12 schools are reviewed on a rotating basis by the State Board of Education. SB 702B requires the State Board of Education to review the social studies standards by December 31, 2025. As a part of the review, the board shall consult with any combination of the following but must include at least one person who is:

(a) A public school student in any grade from grade 9 through 12; (b) The parent of a public school student in any grade; (c) A person who graduated from a public high school in 2015 or any subsequent year; (d) A public school teacher in any grade from grade 9 through 12; (e) An education advocate; (f) A voting rights advocate; (g) A representative of a culturally specific organization; and (h) A representative of the Department of Education.

When conducting the review, the board shall consider emphasizing civics education and making more accessible instruction related to: (a) Voting rights and how to vote; (b) Current and historical social movements; (c) The roles of local governments and tribal governments; and (d) The United States Constitution, the Oregon Constitution and the constitutional form of government in this country.