California has moved a step closer to approving a set of social studies textbooks in grades K-8 that includes discussion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
The state’s Instructional Quality Commission, which reviews textbooks for their adherence to state-developed curricular frameworks, approved 10 of 12 textbook series submitted late last month. It’s a major step in implementation of the state’s 2011 FAIR Education Act, which requires history and social studies classes to include the contributions of LGBT people.
The law has been on the books for years, but many districts seem to be unaware of it or dragging their feet in preparing to implement it.
The state board of education must still approve the books before they’re made available for purchase by school districts.
