Youngkin proposes new history standards, including teaching patriotism in Va. schools
ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is overhauling former Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration’s proposal that would have set history and social science standards in Virginia schools.
Youngkin’s VDOE’s new draft proposal would determine what students learn about American history and Virginia history inside the classroom.
If adopted by the Virginia Board of Education, the new standards will be in effect for seven years starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Professional development would begin in the summer of 2023, according to a fact sheet that was sent to legislators and obtained by 7News.
The Governor’s 53-page proposal would require:
- Kindergarteners to learn patriotism which includes pledging allegiance to the American flag
- Students would learn critical thinking skills starting in the first grade
- Starting in 4th grade, students would describe the Civil Rights movement in Virginia and students would describe why James Madison is called the “Father of the U.S. Constitution” and why George Washington is called the “Father of our Country” and students would learn about Reconstruction and the Civil War
- In 11th grade, students would learn about Christopher Columbus and about the race-based enslavement of Africans and more
Read Gov. Youngkin’s VDOE’s full draft proposal here.
Read Gov. Youngkin’s VDOE’s Guiding principles for History SOLs.
After Youngkin appointed new members to the Virginia Board of Education this year, the board delayed adopting the history curriculum proposal that was crafted under the Northam administration.
Northam’s proposed revisions to the history curriculum, which have now been scrapped, included:
- Lessons on the LGTBQ+ community and social justice
- Numerous lessons on racism and discrimination
- Recognized holidays like Juneteenth
- Lessons on gender equity and equality, climate defense, and renewable energy
- It would have halted the requirement of teaching some lessons on Christopher Columbus and Benjamin Franklin
- It would have scrapped the requirement of understanding why George Washington is called the “Father of our Country” and why James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution.”
RELATED: Va. Senate Democrats say they will push to change 'whitewashed' American history lessons
Youngkin’s new proposal now goes before the Virginia Board of Education for review, and eventually, a vote.
RELATED: Youngkin opposes effort to eliminate George Washington as 'Father' of U.S. on SOL
In a brief obtained by 7News, Youngkin’s administration told Virginia legislators the new changes provide clarity for students, usability for educators and parents, and clears up omissions in the previous proposal.
Read the “Fact Sheet” Youngkin’s administration sent legislators on November 12:
RELATED: Youngkin's Virginia Board of Education delays history standards due to errors
7News was the first to report that the previous proposal, which was crafted by the Northam administration, omitted George Washington as the “Father of our Country” and James Madison as the “Father of the Constitution” and that’s one of the reasons why Youngkin’s State Superintendent recommended in August that the Board of Education delay their vote on revisions to history and social science standards of learning (SOL).
RELATED: Youngkin slams proposal that deletes Benjamin Franklin from history curriculum
Youngkin’s State Superintendent also said at the time that she wanted the VDOE to correct the omissions and give the new Board of Education members more time to review the proposed revisions to history and social science SOLs.
RELATED: Former Va. Secretary of Education says Youngkin wants to suppress black and brown voices
