In the latest conflict between the College Board and conservative policymakers, the Arkansas Department of Education has warned schools not to offer Advanced Placement African American Studies. The department suggested that the course violated state law, similar to Florida’s refusal to approve the class. The new legislation in Arkansas, passed in March, prohibits teaching that would indoctrinate students with ideologies such as critical race theory.
This decision has significant implications for students at Central High School in Little Rock, where the Advanced Placement course had already been enrolled in. The district received word from the state over the weekend that the course could only be offered for “local credit.” This means that the state will not help students at six high schools pay the $98 fee to take the end-of-course A.P. exam, which is necessary for earning college credit. Additionally, the course may not meet graduation requirements, according to a statement from the state.
The Little Rock School District has stated that it will explore options to allow students to benefit from the course despite the decision. They will decide on the next steps within 24 to 48 hours.
The Advanced Placement African American Studies course has faced challenges since its official rollout in February. The College Board, which administers the A.P. program, revised the course’s content after objections from the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida. The College Board removed or watered down key subjects and concepts from the course framework, such as critical race theory and mass incarceration. After receiving criticism from scholars, the nonprofit acknowledged mistakes and promised to revise the course to provide a more holistic introduction to African American studies.
It remains unclear what the final course will look like and whether it will be widely offered in right-leaning states that have passed laws restricting discussions on race and gender in schools.
In Arkansas, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed legislation in March that targets critical race theory but also protects instruction on the history of race, ethnicity, and sex. The somewhat vague language of the law is subject to interpretation, similar to laws in Florida and other states.
The Arkansas Department of Education has not provided specific answers regarding its objections to the class. The department emphasized that the course is not a history course. The state superintendent, Jacob Oliva, previously served as a senior education official in Florida under Gov. DeSantis.
The College Board expressed surprise, confusion, and disappointment in Arkansas’ recent move, stating that the A.P. African American studies course is not indoctrination in any form. The College Board highlighted that over 200 colleges have agreed to provide credit for the class, including the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
This conflict in Arkansas highlights the challenges faced by the College Board as it navigates between higher education’s content standards and the increasingly politicized curriculum in public education.
In conclusion, the Advanced Placement African American Studies course is in jeopardy in Arkansas due to objections from conservative policymakers. The decision has implications for students’ ability to earn college credit and meet graduation requirements. The conflict reflects the challenges faced by the College Board in balancing higher education standards and the politicization of the curriculum in public education.
What are the implications of the Arkansas Department of Education’s decision to warn schools not to offer Advanced Placement African American Studies for students at Central High School in terms of college credit and graduation requirements
To address the concerns raised.
However, despite these revisions, conservative policymakers in states like Arkansas are still voicing opposition to the course. They argue that it promotes divisive ideologies and indoctrinates students with critical race theory, a framework that examines systemic racism and its impact on society.
The decision by the Arkansas Department of Education amplifies this ongoing controversy. By warning schools not to offer Advanced Placement African American Studies, the department is effectively blocking students from accessing an important academic opportunity. Not only will students at Central High School be unable to receive college credit for the course, but it may also not count towards their graduation requirements.
In response to this setback, the Little Rock School District is determined to find alternative solutions for students to benefit from the course. They are currently exploring options and will make a decision on the next steps within the next 24 to 48 hours. It is clear that they are committed to ensuring that students have the opportunity to learn about African American history and culture in an academic setting, despite the challenges posed by conservative policymakers.
The controversy surrounding the Advanced Placement African American Studies course has highlighted the ongoing battle between the College Board and conservative policymakers. While the College Board has made efforts to address criticisms and revise the course’s content, opposition remains. This conflict raises important questions about academic freedom, the inclusion of diverse perspectives in education, and the impact of political ideologies on curriculum decisions.
As this issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether other states will follow in the footsteps of Arkansas and Florida in challenging the Advanced Placement African American Studies course. In the meantime, students at Central High School and their educators are left to contend with the limitations imposed by the state, as they navigate the complexities of offering and receiving a comprehensive education.
This decision is a step backwards for education and inclusivity. It’s essential to provide students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and histories.