New statewide social studies standards aimed at incorporating the experiences of minorities and marginalized groups throughout history have some Moore County school board members asking whether or not individual districts can opt out or delay the implementation of state-set curriculum.
The State Board of Education approved those new standards in a 7-5 vote in February, effectively setting new guidelines for how the subject is addressed in kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms around the state.
The new standards have been nearly two years in the making and are timed along with a realignment of social studies courses on the high school level. Graduation requirements for students starting ninth grade in 2021 will include one American history course instead of two, making room for a new course in economics and personal finance as directed by the legislature. World history and a retitled civic literacy course will remain requirements.