The Alabama State Board of Education heard a proposal for a new social studies course of study which would mark the first change for social studies since 2010. If approved, the new plan would put a greater emphasis on state history, create three new electives, require that all schools teach about the Holocaust and generally update the current social studies course of study.
The new electives created would be historical studies, holocaust studies and Alabama studies. Currently, there are four electives for Alabama social studies: psychology, sociology, human geography and contemporary world issues, so if approved, the proposal would bring the total electives up to seven. Additionally, schools can create their own electives that fall within social studies.
Another large change is an update to how Alabama history would be taught. Currently, Alabama history is taught in the third grade. If approved, the changes would mean that Alabama history would be taught from third grade until fifth grade, with each year focusing on a different era. Third grade would focus on geography and settlement, fourth grade would focus on the era of time from the colonies to 1900 and fifth grade would tackle the 20th century to modern day.
Members of the board applauded those involved with the new proposal for their inclusion of Black history. The course of study called for specific focus on the contributions of Black Americans who were leaders and important figures throughout history.
“Looking at true history the way it is and not just the way you want it to be, it takes courage, takes strength and it takes integrity,” Yvette Richardson, the District 4 representative, said during the meeting.
The course of studies is still under review and open to public comment via a google form until Nov. 28.
In addition to the course of study for social studies, the board also heard a presentation on a new course of study for arts education, which also is currently open to public comment. The full drafts for both social studies and arts education can be viewed online.
Alabama top stories in brief
Alabama’s infant mortality rate hits seven year high
- For 2023, Alabama recorded an infant mortality rate of 7.8 per 1,000 live births, a rise of 1.1 from 2022, when Alabama experienced a record low infant mortality rate.
- The 2023 Infant Mortality Report attributed the leading cause of deaths to birth defects, short gestation and low birth weights and sudden infant death syndrome.
- The Alabama Department of Public Health has announced several programs designed to address infant mortality, including safe sleep initiatives, which focus on educating families and providing cribs for families to use.
Alabama Power announces its plan to purchase new power plant in Autauga County
- Alabama Power filed a petition with the Alabama Public Service Commission on Oct. 30 to purchase the rights to Lindsey Hill, a natural gas power plant located in Billingsley and owned by Tenaska Alabama Partners, L.P.
- According to their filing, Alabama Power will require at least 1,200 megawatts of power by the end of the current decade, or its surplus will run out due to increasing energy needs in Alabama.
- The Lindsey Hill plant can produce close to 900 megawatts of power.
- Alabama Power did not disclose the amount how much they intended to spend to acquire the plant, but said that in order to pay for the plant, residents would see an increase of $3.80 on most bills.
State lawmakers continue to consider changes to public education funding formula
- For several months now, Alabama legislators have been discussing making changes to the school funding formula, which has not been adjusted since 1996.
- The current formula depends on the total number of students in attendance at the school system to determine funding.
- Lawmakers examined three different possible models, which would cost between $112 million and $150 million, depending on the option chosen.
- Model three, which would cost $150 million, could increase funding for high poverty districts as high as $2,000 per student.
- According to Kirk Fulford, deputy director of the Legislative Services Agency Fiscal Division, the Education Trust Fund has enough funding to remain stable and be able to fund the changes legislators are considering.
Our articles you might have missed
- In this month’s edition of The Longleaf Hiker, Xander travels to the hidden gem of Ruffner Mountain. Tucked away in Birmingham, Ruffner offers a wonderful place for local residents to spend time learning about nature, hiking beautiful trails and watching planes depart the Birmingham airport from stunning overlooks.
This week’s Roundup changes
Since early this month, we have been testing changes to the Roundup and gathering feedback from you, our readers.
This week, we kept our bullet point format, but added in a short focus story that went a little more in depth into a particular story.
Let us know what you thought about these changes by responding to this short survey here. Survey participants will be entered in the chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card in mid-December, just in time for last minute Christmas shopping! You must provide your email address in order to be a part of the raffle for the gift card. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and will inform how the Alabama Roundup will look in the future!
Author
Want to get early access to columns, unique newsletters and help keep The Sunrise News active? Then support us on Ko-Fi!