July 18, 2022

State of Florida is Placing Limits on Social Studies Textbooks: What Does This Mean for Students?

I In Florida, textbooks are subject to a state-level adoption process that includes reviewers assessing the instructional materials' quality and how well they adhere to state standards for various subjects. The state attracted national attention earlier this year when it rejected a number of maths textbooks for allegedly incorporating elements of the Common Core State Standards, social-emotional learning principles, or critical race theory.

The specifications for publishers are the same as those sent out for maths, and the review process for social studies materials starts in September.

…educators are trained, licensed professionals whose job is to help students achieve standards to be prepared for graduation, to be prepared for a life beyond school…

The review coincides with Florida's investment in its civics education programme, which includes professional development courses and revised civics standards that place an emphasis on patriotism and American exceptionalism. A state law that restricts the way subjects like race can be discussed in the classroom has already come into force.

When it comes to the new law, some national education groups are concerned about how the social studies textbook requirements fit into the larger national trend of limiting social studies instruction, particularly what they ask publishers to avoid.

The state cautions publishers to stay away from theories that "may lead to student indoctrination" in the specifications. It states that they cannot include social emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, or critical race theory.

Lawrence Paska, the executive director of the National Council for Social Studies, says, "Educators are trained, licensed professionals whose job is to help students achieve standards to be prepared for graduation and to be prepared for a life beyond school." That is what they do every day. Restrictions and limitations serve the opposite effect. They don’t help educators fulfil their professional level of possibilities. And they don’t help students achieve excellence and the ability to graduate with the skills and knowledge that have already been determined to be needed.

According to the state, publishers may contest either the Florida textbook adoption list or the adoption procedure. A company has 21 days to submit a hearing request, and the state has previously permitted publishers to revise their materials in the past.

Posted in News and tagged News, Florida, Social Studies Textbooks, Students, Common Core State Standards, National Council for Social Studies
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