At its best, the legislative process is the art of compromise.
House Bill 3365, which passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, May 21, is a prime example.
The original bill directed the State Board of Education to set standards for “core subjects” in all grade levels that included “sufficient instruction” on the causes, effects and responses to climate change, according to the legislative summary.
One of OSBA’s constant legislative priorities is to oppose unfunded mandates. This bill would set up an undefined and potentially expansive need for curriculum, materials, staff training and learning time — a massive unfunded mandate when districts are fighting to receive sufficient funding just to continue the courses they have now. OSBA opposed the bill.
But we also know legislators bring such bills with good intentions to improve our students’ educations and brighten their future prospects. We set to work with legislators through multiple amendment proposals to make the bill more workable for schools and avoid straining already lean budgets and overburdened staff.
The amended bill requires climate change curriculum only in health, science and social sciences courses. The State Board of Education has already incorporated climate change curriculum in these subject areas. This would not be a significant shift for our districts, but it does codify the requirement in statute.
The bill that will go to the Senate is one OSBA feels it can be neutral on.
Working with legislators to get to a better place is one of the joys of my work. I truly appreciate when legislators are willing to sit down and hear the concerns of our members and examine their own assumptions and aims.
– Adrienne Anderson
OSBA Government Relations Counsel
