As an educator, I am hesitant about this bill, not because I oppose teaching African American History, but I believe the unintended consequences could include 1) weakening common academic expectations by making foundational world history optional, 2) fragmenting the curriculum, so students in the same diploma track graduate with non-comparable coursework, and 3) reducing exposure to global history, undermining civic literacy. Also, in a nation comprised of multiple ethnicities, why is African American History singled out, but not Asian American, or Hispanic American, or Native American, etc.? I am most concerned that it could serve to sideline core world history knowledge that should be the standard program of studies for all students. I don't think this should be a decision at the legislative level but rather left to the local school boards and their communities to decide.
As an educator, I am hesitant about this bill, not because I oppose teaching African American History, but I believe the unintended consequences could include 1) weakening common academic expectations by making foundational world history optional, 2) fragmenting the curriculum, so students in the same diploma track graduate with non-comparable coursework, and 3) reducing exposure to global history, undermining civic literacy. Also, in a nation comprised of multiple ethnicities, why is African American History singled out, but not Asian American, or Hispanic American, or Native American, etc.? I am most concerned that it could serve to sideline core world history knowledge that should be the standard program of studies for all students. I don't think this should be a decision at the legislative level but rather left to the local school boards and their communities to decide.