The adoption of Colorado’s new social studies standards provides parents with a lesson in why increased curriculum transparency is needed.
After a year of impassioned debate about proposed new social studies standards, the Colorado State Board of Education has finalized what PK-12 public school students should learn in history, civics, geography, economics, and financial literacy. The social studies review committee was charged with incorporating directives from the legislature related to five new laws. The major controversy was triggered by one bill that targeted history and civics education.
For decades, as it should, Colorado law has required students to learn about the history, culture, and social contributions of African Americans, Latinos, and indigenous peoples. In 2019, House Bill 19-1192 added Asian Americans and religious minorities to the required studies, as well as individuals from the LGBTQ community. The bill also incorporated the requirement into history and civics academic standards. How the legislation would be implemented is what caused concern, not the groups that were included.
See the full article by Pamela Benigno, December 11, 2022