Teaching AANHPI History Act

Summary#

This bill would authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible organizations to develop and carry out K–12 educational programs that include the history of people of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent. It amends sections of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act so that American history and civics education programs, Presidential and Congressional academies, national activities, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress explicitly include Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history. The bill also calls for the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center to help provide programs and resources for educators and students.

What it means for you#

• Schools and teachers could receive grant money and resources to teach Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history as part of American history and civics classes.
• Curriculum materials, teacher training, and national programs funded under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act could be updated to include AANHPI history.
• The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) would be amended to include AANHPI history in its framework.

Expenses#

The bill authorizes grants but does not list funding amounts, budget offsets, or cost estimates. No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s findings say AANHPI histories are underrepresented in K–12 materials and that these communities made important contributions to U.S. history. Supporters say adding AANHPI history to education programs and national activities will help teachers provide more complete and accurate instruction and help students learn about the full diversity of American history.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.