College Board Revamps Controversial 2024 AP Black History Course

On Wednesday, School Board introduced their revised framework for the AP African American Research course set to launch in 2024. The course was up to date amid intense public controversy in February 2023, when the course was initially introduced.

The testing firm acquired widespread backlash for participating with conservatives, like Gov. Ron DeSantis concerning criticism of the course. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis blocked the course in Florida earlier this 12 months, citing the course “pushing a political agenda.”

“Within the state of Florida, our schooling requirements not solely don’t forestall, however they require instructing Black historical past, all of the essential issues. We wish schooling and never indoctrination.”

In response, School Board prolonged an invite to skilled AP professionals and subject-matter specialists to revisit the course.

“This course is a vibrant introduction to a dynamic subject that provides a broader perspective. It invitations college students to develop analytical abilities whereas inspecting African People’ wide-ranging experiences, contributions, and creativity, and the impression of the broader African diaspora on the world we reside in,” mentioned Dr. Brandi Waters, Senior Director for School Board AP Research Program.

In response to a 2022 report from The Pew Analysis Middle, almost nine-in-ten African People say they’re “much less seemingly to learn about Black historical past” from faculty or faculty. Many Black People cite “household and associates” as their main supply of data.

This notable actuality speaks to the rising concern of how properly knowledgeable America typically must be concerning Black historical past.

The revamped course framework will signify greater than 3 years of diligent improvement by almost 300 African American students, academics, and specialists within the Superior Placement program.

The revisions to the course framework will broaden to incorporate discourse on subjects resembling:

Tulsa Race Bloodbath

Housing discriminatory practices

Feminism and Intersectionality

African American impression on movie, tradition, and sports activities

The AP course might be obtainable to all faculties within the U.S. beginning subsequent 12 months in 2024.

To study extra on the course framework, please go to The School Board Newsroom.