3668B63C4AE3E4D9872582820066FA64 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee was called back to order.

Senator Fields, sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1276 concerning teaching competent history in public schools.   She discussed the benefits of teaching standards that include the contributions and history of all ethnic groups.  She discussed current law on this subject and reported that it needed updating.  The bill also adds the inclusion of Asian Americans to history curricula and forms a commission to review and report on implementation. 

Ramon Del Castillo, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.  He provided examples of curricula in other states.

Luis Torres, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill.  He discussed curriculum and the framework currently used in Denver Public Schools.

Karla Gonzales Garcia, representing the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, spoke in support of the measure.  She discussed the role of schools in developing knowledge and the importance of multi-cultural history.

Allyson Garcia, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed her experience as a higher education professional who works with first-generation students.

Iman Judah, representing Meet the Middle East, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed the importance of cultural competency.

Linda Symank and Maria Wiesner, representing themselves as teachers, spoke in support of the measure.  They discussed teaching methods and talked about the benefits of engaging all students.

Tisha Townsend, representing herself as a student, testified in support of the bill. She talked about the importance of history.

Kent Wilmann, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.  He emphasized the importance of inclusive history.

Kirk Fry, representing himself, testified against this bill. He expressed concerns about budgets and mandated curriculum.

Committee members discussed teacher training, text books, and local school boards. 

Senator Fields made closing remarks and emphasized the importance of a statewide initiative on this topic.