Should get full credit

I understand that Arkansas high school students taking an Advanced Placement African American Studies course will not receive regular credit toward graduation requirements for the course. The state Department of Education is evaluating the course materials, will only allow “local credit” (what is that, exactly?), and indicated: “Indoctrination has no place in schools, and instead of telling students what to think, our priority should always be on teaching them how to think.” I suspect many folks would agree. I hope any issues would be identified and addressed in a transparent manner.

However, regarding the African American Studies course, have any specific examples of indoctrination been identified? Schools had to submit lesson plans in September. Have they received feedback? Do high schools have clear guidance on what violates the state’s ban on indoctrination? Some have speculated there was a political motivation behind the evaluation of the African American Studies course materials and its status as a local-credit course. If that is true, it undermines students’ education, and it is dishonest.

Recently, some of the Little Rock Nine have also expressed their concerns. Unless there’s a good reason otherwise, students should receive full/regular credit for successfully completing the course. Ideally, the course would expand students’ knowledge and understanding. And when we understand each other better, it’s more likely we can live together peacefully. Please consider contacting the Arkansas Department of Education to request that students have a chance to receive regular, full credit for this course, not just local credit.

HEATHER DENAY HAWK

White Hall