Diversifying curriculum AP African American Studies piloted by College Board

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EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

On Feb. 1, the College Board released the official curriculum for its new AP African American Studies course. The creation and development of this course led to controversy, especially in Florida where it was banned by Governor Ron DeSantis.

The curriculum took over a year to develop and is being piloted in 60 schools this school year, according to ABC News. Next school year, hundreds more will implement this class to cover topics such as African American history and culture, as well as the lives and accomplishments of Black men and women, according to the College Board course framework.

Despite causing debates, this course sparked the interest of many teachers and students, including junior Noelle Bland. She believes it could provide a chance for African American students to learn more about their history.

“I think it is important for everyone to know their roots and where they came from,” Bland said. “There are not a lot of classes surrounding African American studies in general and so it just intrigued me that there was a course specifically for that.”

Similar to Bland, junior Jada Jackson claims she also sees the many benefits the class could offer. She believes that the class could touch on other important topics that are not typically taught in normal history classes.

“I just don’t think [the class] will be so ‘slavery-focused’, which I think a lot of the [current] stuff is,” Jackson said. “I would love to learn about famous artists, famous writers, just any area where you do not see famous Black people at. I think that would be great exposure for our school.”

Along with student interest, teacher involvement is equally important. History teacher Bridget Cooley says this course could be beneficial for all students, as it would allow them to learn new perspectives about history.

“I think learning from the past and empowering yourself to understand different perspectives is widely beneficial,” Cooley said. “It doesn’t mean we all have to see history the same, but I think learning those critical skills and thinking is something that anyone can benefit from.”

While promoting the learning of African American culture and history, the course would require actions from both students and faculty in order to bring the class to the district. Director of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Dr. Dan Hartley says that the process would take the efforts of students, administrators and the Social Studies departments. Hartley also says that implementing this course would fulfill the various aspects of the district Strategic Plan for education and provide opportunities for students to learn.

“The district Strategic Plan asks us to ‘revise the curriculum to reflect the diversity of our community,’ and to, ‘create learning environments where students will be able to identify with and see themselves in the curriculum and instruction’,” Hartley said. “The addition of this course would do all of these things and has the potential to benefit all of our students.”

While many resources help students prepare for college, the district is also working to provide ones for those interested in alternative career paths, such as trades. Ranging from plumbing to electricity to construction, trades careers are being discussed more in the school to educate students about these fields. On Feb. 28, the district held its Skilled Trades Night in the North gym.

Providing students with resources and the opportunity to speak to professionals is the main goal of this event, according to counselor Jennifer Sherman. She says this night allows students who plan to pursue a trades career to gain further insight into different jobs that interest them.

“[Students] can talk to all kinds of connections and professionals in the different fields,” Sherman said. “[They] can find out more about what their job entails [and] what kind of training they need.”

Students who plan to pursue a career in trades, such as senior Ryan Lutes, who plans to pursue a career in mechatronics, had interest in attending the event. After choosing not to attend college, Lutes believes in the benefits of his career path.

“I just do not believe I am suited in a traditional classroom setting.” Lutes said. “I feel like I learn a lot better with my hands and just learning through doing that sort of thing and the lower cost [is] appealing.”

The event opens students to career opportunities they can pursue without getting a college degree, according to Lutes. He says that although college is often a common route for students to take after graduation, careers in the trades are equally important.

“We have always talked about college and not so much about other alternatives,” Lutes said. “There's plenty of well paying careers that do not require a college degree.”

Similar to Lutes, Sherman also says that providing this opportunity for students interested in the trades is important because it will allow them to access resources and find a career that interests them.

“We hear more and more students are interested in looking into the trades,” Sherman said. “I think that talking to people in the fields is the most powerful experience they could get about deciding what the right path is for them.”