Congressman David Scott Calls on GaDOE to Strengthen Standards and Expand Access of African American Studies Courses

WASHINGTON-Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, alongside Georgia's congressional Democrats, Reps. Hank Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Sanford Bishop (GA-02),and Lucy McBath (GA-07), sent a letter to State Superintendent Richard Woods urging him to expand and strengthen instruction of African American Studies courses.

"Home to the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, Georgia's connection to Black history and culture cannot be understated," said Congressman David Scott. "While GaDOE should be commended for its recent adoption of social studies diversity course offerings, the lack of standards and materials associated with teaching the Introduction to African American/Black Studies course is deeply concerning. Disparate training levels across dozens of school districts have resulted in of some educators lacking any training or qualification altogether. Superintendent Woods must work with educators, experts, and other important stakeholders to develop stronger standards and expand the number of school districts that offer the course."

Since 2020, Georgia's Introduction to African American/Black Studies course has been included in the catalogue of state-funded courses. However, the lack of any standards associated with the course requires school districts to develop their own curriculum and materials, including textbooks, leading to wide discrepancies in rigor and content between school districts. The lack of standards and uniform curriculum, along with a lack of supplemental training for educators, presents a barrier to some districts that lack the resources to develop new curriculum, materials, and supplemental training. Developing standards for the course will lift the burden from school districts to expand and improve instruction of African American Studies courses in Georgia.

Further, in July, Superintendent Woods declined to recommend the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course for approval for the 2024-2025 academic year. Instead, he recommended that school districts use an existing course code associated with an existing Introduction to African American/Black Studies class, suggesting that teachers and schools develop their own curriculum for the course. Even though Superintendent Woods ultimately reversed his decision by allowing state funding for the AP African American Studies course, his decision came too late, as some school districts already began instruction for the year. Others were forced to reduce the number of AP African American studies courses they could offer. Superintendent Woods must be fully committed to helping school districts increase the number of AP African American Studies classes offered.

The text of the letter can be found HERE.