Governor Ned Lamont (D) and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) announced a partnership with state tribal leaders on November 30, 2022, to develop a Native American studies model curriculum for K-12 students. The announcement follows legislation signed by the governor in June 2021. The bill established new subject matter requirements, including a requirement to establish a model curriculum for Native American studies to be implemented by the 2023-2024 school year, according to Senate Bill No. 1202. 

The curriculum aims to educate students on “the study of Native American tribes in Connecticut, including Northeastern Woodland tribes” and highlight indigenous voices in the curriculum development process, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. The state Department of Education is responsible for developing curriculum guides to assist teachers with developing instructional materials that adhere to state standards.   

Governor Lamont released a statement that said, “Connecticut students deserve to have inclusive and accurate history lessons.” Lamont continued, “This curriculum is an important part of acknowledging our past and historical connections with our tribal nations. We are going beyond acknowledgment by building meaningful relationships with our tribal leaders and this curriculum effort is a prime example of that.”

CSDE plans to release the model curriculum in June 2023. 

Additional reading:

https://ballotpedia.org/K-12_education_content_standards_in_the_states

https://ballotpedia.org/K-12_curriculum_authority,_requirements,_and_statutes_in_the_states