Electives

Close up of African American person's legs in the pool.
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Curriculum Swim Lessons Save Lives. Should Schools Provide Them?
A push is on in some states to make swim lessons part of the school curriculum.
Elizabeth Heubeck, May 4, 2023
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5 min read
A woman holds a sign and attends a rally to stop AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) hate at the Logan Square Monument in Chicago on March 20, 2021.
A woman holds a sign and attends a rally to stop AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) hate at the Logan Square Monument in Chicago on March 20, 2021.
Nam Y. Huh/AP
Social Studies The Demand for Asian American History Is Growing. See Where
Florida is among states facing the possibility of requiring Asian American and Pacific Islander history in K-12 curriculum.
Ileana Najarro, February 24, 2023
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5 min read
A large crowd gathers on the fourth floor rotunda of the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla., for the "Stop the Black Attack" rally, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Attorney Ben Crump threatened to file a lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and his administration amid the ban of a proposed Advanced Placement course on African America Studies in Florida high schools on behalf of three Leon County, Fla., school students.
A large crowd gathers on the fourth floor rotunda of the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla., for the "Stop the Black Attack" rally, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Attorney Ben Crump threatened to file a lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and his administration amid the ban of a proposed Advanced Placement course on African America Studies in Florida high schools on behalf of three Leon County, Fla., school students.
Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat via AP
Social Studies College Board: No State Has Sway Over Final Version of AP African American Studies
College Board effectively told its members that it will not consider input from states or districts when releasing the final version of the pilot Black history class that Florida banned.
Eesha Pendharkar, January 26, 2023
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3 min read
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks after being sworn in to begin his second term during an inauguration ceremony outside the Old Capitol on Jan. 3, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. DeSantis' administration has blocked a new Advanced Placement course on African-American studies from being taught in high schools, saying the class violates state law and that it is historically inaccurate.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks after being sworn in to begin his second term on Jan. 3 in Tallahassee, Fla. DeSantis' administration has blocked a new high school Advanced Placement course on African-American studies, claiming it violates state law.
Lynne Sladky/AP
Social Studies Florida's Ban on AP African American Studies, Explained
Florida high schoolers will not be able to take an AP Black history course, after the course was banned for allegedly being inaccurate and illegal.
Eesha Pendharkar, January 24, 2023
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7 min read
Curriculum Reports Journalism Education: Results of a National Survey
This report examines survey results regarding student interest in journalism and challenges related to censorship and student press freedom.
March 19, 2019
Curriculum Texas Rejects Mexican-American Textbook But Will Consider Elective Course (Again)
The Texas State Board of Education last week voted against a proposed Mexican-American textbook, but agreed to discuss in January the option of creating an elective course in Mexican-American studies instead.
Brenda Iasevoli, November 13, 2017
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4 min read
Student Well-Being Opinion Are Electives Really Student Choice?
As we plan our classes for students, we must consider their role in the learning. What are we putting in their hands and how can we do it as often as possible? All of school should be elective.
Starr Sackstein, April 26, 2016
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3 min read
Teacher Maureen Kildee works alongside Janiah McKnuckle as the 3rd grader learns computer-coding skills during an "Hour of Code" event last December at Brownell/Holmes Elementary School in Flint, Mich. The initiative aims to expose more students to computer programming, and to raise public awareness about the importance of computer science education.
Teacher Maureen Kildee works alongside Janiah McKnuckle as the 3rd grader learns computer-coding skills during an "Hour of Code" event last December at Brownell/Holmes Elementary School in Flint, Mich. The initiative aims to expose more students to computer programming, and to raise public awareness about the importance of computer science education.
Jake May/The Flint Journal-MLive.com/AP
Science Computer Science: Not Just an Elective Anymore
The subject is getting a fresh look from state and local policymakers, with many pushing measures to expand access to computing courses.
Liana Loewus, February 25, 2014
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7 min read
College & Workforce Readiness Computer Science Moves Past 'Elective' Status in Washington State
Washington is the 10th state to enact a policy that awards students a math or science credit for successfully completing AP computer science.
Erik W. Robelen, May 21, 2013
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1 min read
Reading & Literacy Opinion Giving Reading and Writing Instruction a French Twist
A French teacher says foreign-language and other electives teachers are uniquely placed to give students enrichment opportunities that help expand literacy skills.
Dianne Hopen, April 25, 2012
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3 min read
Curriculum Video New Orleans: Turning a New Page
May 11, 2011
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3:59
Teaching Profession Teacher Leaders Network Why Electives Matter
Too often excluded from collaborative opportunities, electives teachers can be more effective when they tie their instruction to what students are learning in core classes, writes Susan “Ernie” Rambo.
Ernie Rambo, April 13, 2011
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5 min read
Federal District Survey Shows Cuts in Textbooks, Electives, Field Trips
A new survey of school district officials suggests that cuts are on the rise for academic interventions, electives, textbooks, and field trips.
Erik W. Robelen, April 8, 2010
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1 min read
Education Beyond Electives
This commentary on edweek.org is a good example of how classes outside of a core curriculum can have a major impact on students' motivation levels in all classes. The author, Patrick Boyle, talks about how taking a few film classes in high school sparked a love for movies and opened the door to an interest in history and culture. He says:
Katie Ash, July 1, 2008
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1 min read
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