House Education Committee advances Senate Bill 5570 for tribal sovereignty curriculum in schools

The House Appropriations Committee convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss significant educational legislation aimed at enhancing the teaching of tribal sovereignty and the history of federally recognized Indian tribes in public schools. The focal point of the meeting was Substitute Senate Bill 5570, which mandates that school districts incorporate the "Since Time Immemorial" (STI) curriculum into their social studies programs by September 1, 2026.

Ethan Moreno, a non-partisan staff member of the House Education Committee, outlined the bill's requirements. Under this legislation, school districts must collaborate with local federally recognized Indian tribes when reviewing or adopting social studies curricula. This collaboration is intended to ensure that educational materials reflect the history, culture, and governance of these tribes. The STI curriculum, developed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), serves as a primary resource for this initiative.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of consulting with tribes that may face unique challenges in engaging with multiple school districts. To support this effort, the Office of Native Education will work alongside the OSPI to facilitate these collaborations. Additionally, the State Board of Education will implement a system for monitoring compliance with the new curriculum requirements, with evaluations scheduled from the 2026-2027 school year through 2029.

Fiscal implications of the bill were also discussed. The OSPI and the State Board estimate a total cost of approximately $283,000 for fiscal year 2027, with additional funding required in subsequent years. This budget will cover staffing needs to coordinate the implementation and monitoring of the curriculum.

The meeting concluded with a call for public testimony, highlighting community interest in the integration of Indigenous history into educational frameworks. This legislation represents a significant step toward recognizing and incorporating the perspectives of Native American tribes in Washington's educational system, fostering a deeper understanding of tribal sovereignty among students.