Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law Wednesday requiring certain topics to be taught in social studies curriculum and mandating a comprehensive review of Iowa’s educational standards.
Iowa Republicans passed the bill this year after adding language from a different bill that would have required a list of social studies curriculum, developed by a conservative think tank, to be taught in K-12 schools.
The law, House File 2542, requires instruction on historical events like World War I and II, the Holocaust, 9/11, and the U.S. founding documents. Schools also must teach about the founding of Iowa and famous Iowans.
Reynolds signed the bill in a private ceremony at Beit Shalom Jewish Community in Davenport alongside members of the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and state legislative officials.
“As part of a broader update to our educational standards designed to promote a deeper understanding of both American civics and Western history, this bill specifically requires that students be taught about the Holocaust,” Reynolds said in a statement. “It also requires instruction on the broader context of World War II, as well as the significance of ancient Israel.”
In teaching about the U.S. government, the law also directs schools to teach about alternative forms of government, including the “crimes against humanity that have occurred under communist regimes.”
The law’s curriculum directives focus on Western civilization, requiring instruction on Greek city-states, ancient Rome, ancient Israel and medieval Europe.
In legislative debate this year, Republican supporters of the bill said they needed to prescribe social studies curriculum because students did not have enough appreciation for U.S. history and major historical figures. They argued students were learning only the negatives of U.S. history.
Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux Center, said during debate in April that understanding Western civilization is key to understanding the founding ideas of the U.S.
"We have to teach our children, the next generation, where we came from," he said. "The good, the bad, and be honest about all of that."
Democrats said that the bill was overly prescriptive. Iowa code largely avoids giving specific curriculum directives, and state education standards are developed by educators and subject matter experts through a process that allows public input.
“This Legislature has never put curriculum in the code, and it’s not the job of the Legislature to prescribe curriculum,” Sen. Molly Donahue, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, said during floor debate in April.
The other main division of the law requires the state Department of Education director to create a comprehensive review of high school graduation requirements and core curriculum standards.
The review will include a plan to regularly review and revise core content, a plan to “make Iowa’s educational standards the best in the nation,” and input from stakeholders, including parents and teachers.
The law requires the director to submit an initial report by Dec. 31, 2024. A final report — including findings and recommendations for policy changes — will be due to the governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2025.
www.thegazette.com
Iowa Republicans passed the bill this year after adding language from a different bill that would have required a list of social studies curriculum, developed by a conservative think tank, to be taught in K-12 schools.
The law, House File 2542, requires instruction on historical events like World War I and II, the Holocaust, 9/11, and the U.S. founding documents. Schools also must teach about the founding of Iowa and famous Iowans.
Reynolds signed the bill in a private ceremony at Beit Shalom Jewish Community in Davenport alongside members of the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities and state legislative officials.
“As part of a broader update to our educational standards designed to promote a deeper understanding of both American civics and Western history, this bill specifically requires that students be taught about the Holocaust,” Reynolds said in a statement. “It also requires instruction on the broader context of World War II, as well as the significance of ancient Israel.”
In teaching about the U.S. government, the law also directs schools to teach about alternative forms of government, including the “crimes against humanity that have occurred under communist regimes.”
The law’s curriculum directives focus on Western civilization, requiring instruction on Greek city-states, ancient Rome, ancient Israel and medieval Europe.
Republicans: Must teach ‘the good, the bad, and be honest’
In legislative debate this year, Republican supporters of the bill said they needed to prescribe social studies curriculum because students did not have enough appreciation for U.S. history and major historical figures. They argued students were learning only the negatives of U.S. history.
Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux Center, said during debate in April that understanding Western civilization is key to understanding the founding ideas of the U.S.
"We have to teach our children, the next generation, where we came from," he said. "The good, the bad, and be honest about all of that."
Democrats said that the bill was overly prescriptive. Iowa code largely avoids giving specific curriculum directives, and state education standards are developed by educators and subject matter experts through a process that allows public input.
“This Legislature has never put curriculum in the code, and it’s not the job of the Legislature to prescribe curriculum,” Sen. Molly Donahue, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, said during floor debate in April.
Law requires grad requirement review by state education director
The other main division of the law requires the state Department of Education director to create a comprehensive review of high school graduation requirements and core curriculum standards.
The review will include a plan to regularly review and revise core content, a plan to “make Iowa’s educational standards the best in the nation,” and input from stakeholders, including parents and teachers.
The law requires the director to submit an initial report by Dec. 31, 2024. A final report — including findings and recommendations for policy changes — will be due to the governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2025.
Governor signs bill requiring K-12 instruction on U.S. history, Western civilization
In teaching about the U.S. government, the law directs schools to teach about alternative forms of government, including the “crimes against humanity that have occurred under communist regimes.”
www.thegazette.com
