In response to critics of AP U.S. History, College Board alters course

The College Board announced changes to the framework for Advanced Placement U.S. History that allay criticisms there was too much negativity and anti-America sentiment.

Peter Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars, a group of academics created to "confront the rise of campus political correctness," commended the College Board for the 2015 revisions but said there is room for improvement.

The AJC’s Eric Stirgus reported:

Here is the response from Georgia Superintendent Richard Woods:

The College Board closely studied Georgia's U.S. History standards and those of other states in making the revisions. They are partnering with the National Constitutional Center to ensure a greater focus on the teaching of the founding documents.

Key Changes

The revised 2015 APUSH frameworks clarify the following areas to reflect their importance in U.S. history.

  • American national identity and unity
  • American ideals of liberty, citizenship, self-governance, and how those ideals play out in U.S. history
  • American founding political leaders, including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, and Franklin
  • Founding Documents – including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers – as reflected in a new recommended focus section
  • Productive role of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation in shaping U.S. history
  • U.S. role in the victories of WWI and WWII, particularly the contributions and sacrifices of American servicemen and women in those wars
  • U.S. leadership in ending the Cold War
  • Role of religious ideas and groups in shaping American society and political life

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