State School Superintendent Richard Woods Wednesday rescinded his recommendation that an Advanced Placement African American Studies course not be added to the state\u2019s curriculum offerings, citing a legal opinion from Attorney General Chris Carr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Woods\u2019 announcement effectively ended a furor of protests that arose from political leaders of both parties and educators two weeks ago when Woods announced his decision against adding the AP course, which was piloted by several school districts during the 2023-24 academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, Woods clarified his recommendation by asserting that a portion of the course curriculum in his judgement violated the controversial \u201cdivisive concepts\u2019 law the General Assembly passed in 2022. The Republican-backed bill, which passed along party lines, prohibits teaching U.S. history in a way that might make any student feel guilty or that they are superior or inferior to anyone else based on their race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time, Woods indicated he was seeking a legal opinion from the attorney general\u2019s office. State Rep. Will Wade, R-Dawsonville, the divisive concepts bill\u2019s chief House sponsor, also sought Carr\u2019s input on whether the law\u2019s provisions apply to AP, international baccalaureate, and dual enrollment courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The attorney general responded with a letter to Wade explaining that the law exempts those types of courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The law \u201cshall not be construed or applied to prohibit the full and rigorous implementation of curricula, or elements of a curriculum, that are required as part of advanced placement, international baccalaureate (IB), or dual enrollment coursework; provided, however, that such implementation is done in a professionally and academically appropriate manner and without espousing personal political beliefs,\u201d Carr wrote, quoting language from the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opponents of Woods\u2019 original decision complained that doing away with AP African American studies would have meant failing to teach Georgia students the full history of the state and the nation, both good and bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In light of Wednesday\u2019s announcement by Woods, any AP, IB, or dual enrollment course a local school district develops will be automatically adopted within the state-approved course catalog. It will not have to receive a recommendation from either the state school superintendent or the Georgia Board of Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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