OLYMPIA — A bill to ensure professional development resources for educators reflect the diverse experiences of Washington students was heard in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee Thursday.
Senate Bill 5177, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to include the perspectives of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups when identifying training materials for educators.
The bill, brought to Nobles by students, specifies that these resources must consider the experiences of students with sensory, mental, and physical disabilities. It also addresses the needs of neurodivergent students, LGBTQ+ youth, students experiencing homelessness, and students from diverse racial, ethnic, and immigrant backgrounds.
“This bill ensures our classrooms are spaces where every student feels seen and supported,” Nobles said. “By tailoring professional development resources to reflect the realities of historically underrepresented groups, we give educators the tools to meet the diverse needs of their students and foster inclusive learning environments where all can thrive.”
Building on existing requirements for OSPI, the bill incorporates these additional perspectives into training on topics such as social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and culturally sustaining teaching.
Follow its progress here.