2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101324D

HOUSE BILL NO. 614

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-208.01:1, relating to history and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities.

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Patrons—Rasoul, Convirs-Fowler, Cousins, Keys-Gamarra, LeVere Bolling, Lopez and Shin; Senator: Salim

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Referred to Committee on Education

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-208.01:1 as follows:

§ 22.1-208.01:1. History and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities.

A. To ensure comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive education in public elementary and secondary schools, instructional materials and standards in history and social science shall include the contributions, perspectives, and experiences of historically marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities; immigrants and refugees; women; individuals with disabilities; individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+); individuals from various socioeconomic statuses; individuals from various religious backgrounds; and any other group of individuals that the Board deems appropriate, in order to affirm such communities and promote a more holistic understanding of history.

B. By March 1, 2027, and during each subsequent regularly scheduled review and revision of the Standards of Learning for history and social science, the Board shall update the corresponding instructional guides, or the equivalent supplemental curricular documents to such standards, to explicitly include the political, economic, social, and cultural contributions of the communities described in subsection A for all relevant standards. Such content shall be age-appropriate, historically accurate, and integrated across grade levels and courses and shall specifically be included in the standards for Virginia and U.S. history. During each such review and revision process, the Board shall consult with historians and scholars with expertise in the histories of the communities described in subsection A. The Department of Historic Resources shall coordinate consultation with subject matter experts from institutions of higher education and community organizations representing these communities. Upon completion of the revised standards and instructional guides or their equivalent, the Department shall disseminate guidance to local school divisions to ensure integration of inclusive history across curricula and to avoid isolating such content to a single month or observance.

C. The Board shall adopt and enforce policies requiring that recommended textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials for history and social science include comprehensive, accurate, and affirming coverage of the histories and contributions of the communities identified in subsection A. The Board shall periodically review recommended textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials to ensure compliance with such inclusive content requirements and shall develop evaluation criteria in consultation with educators, historians, and subject matter experts who represent marginalized communities.

D. Subject to available resources, the Department shall develop, curate, or identify supplemental instructional resources that support the teaching of inclusive history. These resources shall include materials for observances such as Black History Month, Women's History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Disability History and Awareness Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and other recognitions as determined by the Board. Resources shall be aligned with the Standards of Learning and made available on the Department's website. The Department may partner with cultural institutions, historical societies, and community organizations to develop or curate these materials.

E. Subject to available resources, the Department shall develop and regularly update professional development resources to equip educators with culturally responsive strategies for teaching inclusive history and for addressing complex or difficult historical topics. These resources shall be available at no cost to educators and shall be eligible for professional development credit. Local school divisions are encouraged to provide ongoing professional development to teachers and administrators on inclusive history, including integration across existing courses and the use of primary sources and culturally responsive pedagogy.

F. By the 2028–2029 school year, Standards of Learning assessments in history and social science shall include questions relating to the contributions and experiences of the communities identified in subsection A, ensuring that assessments reflect the inclusive history standards. Practice questions aligned with these assessments shall be included in instructional materials and resources provided pursuant to subsection D.

2. That following any revision of the history and social science, mathematics, English, or science Standards of Learning by the Board of Education, the Department of Education shall release instructional guides or their equivalent, crosswalks from previous standards, and pacing guidance at least 12 months before the relevant standards go into effect. If the Department fails to meet this deadline, it shall report such fact to the Board of Education and the Chairs of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education within 30 days of such missed deadline and shall include in such report a corrective action plan and revised implementation timeline.