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An Act To Make Agriculture Studies a Part of the Maine Curriculum
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4706, as amended by PL 2009, c. 313, §§8 and 9, is further amended to read:
§ 4706.Instruction in American history, Maine studies, Maine Native American history and agriculture
Instruction in American history, government, citizenship and, Maine studies and agriculture must be aligned with the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements established under section 6209.
 
1. American history.   American history, government and citizenship, including the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the importance of voting and the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, must be taught in and required for graduation from all elementary and secondary schools, both public and private.
 
2. Maine studies.   Maine history, including the Constitution of Maine, Maine geography and environment and the natural, industrial and economic resources of Maine and Maine's cultural and ethnic heritage, must be taught. A required component of Maine studies is Maine Native American studies, which must be included in the review of content standards and performance indicators of the learning results conducted in accordance with section 6209, subsection 4. The Maine Native American studies must address the following topics:
 
A. Maine tribal governments and political systems and their relationship with local, state, national and international governments;
 
B. Maine Native American cultural systems and the experience of Maine tribal people throughout history;
 
C. Maine Native American territories; and
 
D. Maine Native American economic systems.
 
3.  Agriculture studies.     Agriculture studies must be taught in and required for graduation from all elementary and secondary schools, both public and private. Agriculture studies must address the following topics:
 
A.  The importance of agriculture in the State's history and development;
 
B.  The connections between the farm and daily life; and
 
C.  The economics of agriculture and its importance to the State's economy.
Sec. 2. Agriculture studies instruction requirements. In developing the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements required under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 6209 for agriculture studies as set out in Title 20-A, section 4706, subsection 3, the Department of Education shall consult and seek recommendations from the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Council established pursuant to Title 7, section 242.
 
SUMMARY
This bill requires agriculture studies to be taught in elementary and secondary schools in the State for essential instruction and graduation requirements. The bill requires that agriculture studies address the importance of agriculture in the State's history and development, the connections between the farm and daily life and the economics of agriculture and its importance to the State's economy. The bill also requires the Department of Education to consult with the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Council in developing the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements for agriculture studies.