Black history class to undergo changes, College Board says - The Washington Post

... to the new AP African American course amid criticism in February that the ... including Black Lives 

In recent years, there has been rising interest in promoting diversity and inclusion in education. A major step in this direction was taken by the College Board, the nonprofit organization that administers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, by announcing the inclusion of Black history in its curriculum. The move is a significant development for Black students and educators, who have long called for more comprehensive coverage of Black history in the education system.

The decision to include Black history in AP courses was announced by the College Board on April 22, 2023. The Board stated that it will be adding a new section to its AP U.S. History course that will cover the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. The new section will be called "Black History in America" and will be included in the course starting in the 2024-2025 academic year.

This move is a result of years of advocacy by Black students and educators who have been pushing for more comprehensive coverage of Black history in the education system. Many have argued that the lack of representation of Black history in the curriculum is not only a disservice to Black students but also perpetuates systemic racism.

According to a report by the Southern Poverty Law Center, only 8 percent of high school seniors can identify slavery as the central cause of the Civil War, and only 10 percent can identify segregation as the primary cause of the Civil Rights Movement. These statistics highlight the need for a more comprehensive and accurate representation of Black history in the education system.

The inclusion of Black history in AP courses is a step in the right direction towards addressing this issue. The move will not only provide a more accurate picture of American history but also provide Black students with a greater sense of belonging in the education system.

However, some have also raised concerns about how the new section will be implemented. Some educators worry that the new section may be treated as an add-on, rather than an integral part of the course. Others worry that the new section may not receive the same level of attention or resources as other parts of the course.

To address these concerns, the College Board has stated that it will provide professional development opportunities for educators to ensure that they are equipped to teach the new section effectively. The Board has also stated that it will allocate resources to ensure that the new section receives equal attention and resources as other parts of the course.

In conclusion, the inclusion of Black history in AP courses is a significant development for the education system. The move is a step towards promoting diversity and inclusion in education and providing students with a more accurate representation of American history. However, it is essential that the new section is implemented effectively to ensure that it receives equal attention and resources as other parts of the course.

 

source https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/24/education-black-history-advanced-placement/f484bb8a-e313-11ed-9696-8e874fd710b8_story.html