July 29, 2024
Richard Woods
State School Superintendent
Georgia Department of Education
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Superintendent Woods:
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to express our concerns regarding the recent decision to deny funding for the AP African American Studies course in Georgia. This decision raises several questions that we believe need to be addressed for the benefit of our students and the integrity of our educational system.
Firstly, we would like to understand the rationale behind the decision to deny funding for AP African American Studies. As an important course that explores the rich history and contributions of African Americans, it plays a crucial role in providing a comprehensive and inclusive education.
Secondly, we are interested to know if there were other AP courses for which funding was denied. If so, could you please provide the reasons for the denial of funding for those courses? Specifically, we are keen to learn if any other AP courses designed to teach about the heritage or history of any other groups of people in the United States were also denied funding.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider whether the current curriculum adequately reflects the historical contributions of all people in the United States. In light of this, we would like to know if you would support efforts to revamp the Georgia curriculum to ensure it is more inclusive and representative of the diverse histories and contributions that have shaped our nation.
Lastly, we would like to inform you that we will be introducing a proposed bill aimed at addressing and correcting the inequities that currently exist regarding the representation of various cultures and histories in our educational system. This bill is intended to ensure that all students have access to a well-rounded and inclusive education that honors the contributions of all communities.
We look forward to your response and hope that we can work together to promote an educational environment that is equitable and inclusive for all students.
Richard Woods
State School Superintendent
Georgia Department of Education
205 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Superintendent Woods:
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to express our concerns regarding the recent decision to deny funding for the AP African American Studies course in Georgia. This decision raises several questions that we believe need to be addressed for the benefit of our students and the integrity of our educational system.
Firstly, we would like to understand the rationale behind the decision to deny funding for AP African American Studies. As an important course that explores the rich history and contributions of African Americans, it plays a crucial role in providing a comprehensive and inclusive education.
Secondly, we are interested to know if there were other AP courses for which funding was denied. If so, could you please provide the reasons for the denial of funding for those courses? Specifically, we are keen to learn if any other AP courses designed to teach about the heritage or history of any other groups of people in the United States were also denied funding.
Furthermore, it is essential to consider whether the current curriculum adequately reflects the historical contributions of all people in the United States. In light of this, we would like to know if you would support efforts to revamp the Georgia curriculum to ensure it is more inclusive and representative of the diverse histories and contributions that have shaped our nation.
Lastly, we would like to inform you that we will be introducing a proposed bill aimed at addressing and correcting the inequities that currently exist regarding the representation of various cultures and histories in our educational system. This bill is intended to ensure that all students have access to a well-rounded and inclusive education that honors the contributions of all communities.
We look forward to your response and hope that we can work together to promote an educational environment that is equitable and inclusive for all students.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Helen Butler, Director, The Peoples' Agenda
Jo Handy Sewell, Social Justice Ministry Director, Beulah Missionary Baptist Church & DeKalb Democratic Women Chair
Reverend Anthony Motley, Pastor of Lindsey Street Baptist Church Atlanta
Karen Mulzac Watkins, Board Member of Gwinnett County Public Schools
Verdaillia Turner, President of the Georgia Federation of Teachers
Subject: Inclusive Education Act of 2025
Georgia House Bill
Title: An Act to Ensure Comprehensive and Inclusive Curricula in Georgia Public Schools
Preamble
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia recognizes the importance of a diverse and comprehensive education that includes the histories, cultures, and contributions of all ethnic and cultural groups;
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is committed to preparing students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world;
THEREFORE, be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Georgia:
Section 1: Title
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Inclusive Education Act of 2024."
Section 2: Definitions
For the purposes of this Act:
- Introductory and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Refers to courses designed to provide foundational and college-level education in various subjects.
- African American Studies: A field of study that examines the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans.
- Asian American Studies: A field of study that examines the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans.
- Latin American Studies: A field of study that examines the history, culture, and contributions of Latin Americans.
- Peace Education/Conflict Resolution: Educational programs aimed at teaching students about peace, conflict resolution, and non-violent communication.
- Civics: The study of the rights and duties of citizenship and the functioning of government and society.
Section 3: Curriculum Requirements
- Implementation: Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, all Georgia public schools shall incorporate the following courses into their curriculum: a. Introductory and Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies b. Introductory and Advanced Placement (AP) Asian American Studies c. Introductory and Advanced Placement (AP) Latin American Studies d. Peace Education/Conflict Resolution e. Civics
- Grade Levels: The specified courses shall be made available to students in both middle and high school, with appropriate adjustments in content complexity to suit different age groups.
Section 4: Funding and Resources
- State Funding: The Georgia Department of Education shall allocate sufficient funds to support the implementation and ongoing delivery of these courses. This includes but is not limited to: a. Teacher training and professional development b. Instructional materials and resources c. Development and maintenance of course curricula.
- Grant Program: Establish a grant program to encourage schools to innovate and expand their curricula in the specified areas, with priority given to schools in underserved and underrepresented communities.
Section 5: Teacher Training and Professional Development
- Certification and Training: The Georgia Department of Education shall develop and provide certification programs for teachers in the specified fields of study. Additionally, ongoing professional development opportunities shall be made available to ensure teachers are well-prepared to deliver these courses effectively.
- Collaborations: Encourage partnerships with local universities, cultural organizations, and non-profits to provide additional training and resources for educators.
Section 6: Accountability and Assessment
- Reporting Requirements: All public schools shall submit annual reports to the Georgia Department of Education detailing the implementation and progress of these courses. These reports shall include enrollment numbers, student performance data, and feedback from educators and students.
- Assessment: The Georgia Department of Education shall develop assessment tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the curricula and ensure that educational objectives are being met.
Section 7: Community and Parental Involvement
- Advisory Committees: Establish advisory committees comprising educators, parents, students, and community leaders to provide ongoing feedback and recommendations on the implementation and improvement of the curricula.
- Public Forums: Conduct regular public forums and workshops to inform and involve the community in the development and enhancement of these educational programs.
Section 8: Effective Date
This Act shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Governor or upon its otherwise becoming law.
Section 9: Severability
If any provision of this Act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Act are severable.
Section 10: Repealer
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.