Missouri lawmakers question history curriculum, role of school boards in K-12 education

Districts have been the subjects of lawsuits concerning mask mandates and Sunshine Law requests for documents related to "critical race theory." 

A committee of Missouri lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on how history is taught in schools around the state and how school board members interact with the public.

State education officials outlined Missouri’s standards for curriculum and how U.S. history and civics are taught in kindergarten through 12th grade. And two college administrators advocated for the state to alter or adopt new curriculum focused on “patriotism” and creating a “virtuous, engaged citizenry.”

Rep. Doug Richey, an Excelsior Springs Republican who chairs the committee, said the hearing was held “in response to current tensions within conversations regarding public education.” Around the U.S., elected officials and parents have scrutinized COVID-19 health measures and how race and equity are taught in K-12 schools. In Missouri, districts have been the subjects of lawsuits concerning mask mandates and Sunshine Law requests for documents related to “critical race theory.”

Read more from the Springfield News-Leader.

Most Popular