(a) For the school year commencing July 1, 2023, and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education shall include Native American studies as part of the social studies curriculum for the school district, pursuant to § 10-16b. Such Native American studies curriculum shall include, but need not be limited to, a focus on the Northeastern Woodland Native American Tribes of Connecticut. In developing and implementing the Native American studies curriculum, the board may utilize the curriculum materials made available by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection (d) of § 10-16b, or other existing and appropriate public or private materials, personnel and resources, provided such curriculum is in accordance with the state-wide subject matter content standards, adopted by the state board pursuant to § 10-4.

(b) A local or regional board of education may accept gifts, grants and donations, including in-kind donations, designated for the development and implementation of the Native American studies curriculum under this section.