Is it a law that black history must be taught in February?

Question

I am curious about the fact that my daughter's teacher says that she is not teaching any black history this month. I know that public schools in illinois should have some instruction in black history. But not sure whether it has to be taught in the month of February or as long as they cover it during the school year.

Answer 1

I don't live in Illinois, but I work in a school system and I do know that it is not a law for Black History to be taught. I urge you to raise this issue with your child's teacher. If he/she fails to "change" or modify their lesson plans for Black History awareness, I would then talk to the school administrator. I think Black History Month should be celebrated and recognized in ALL schools whether public, private, charter... it doesn't matter!! Any teacher that refuses to teach or discuss Black History Month is just plain IGNORANT!!!

Answer 2

There is no specific law that refers to WHEN during the school year any specific topic is taught. Since February has been designated Black History Month, many teachers choose to cover it hat month. In many ways, though, it would seem more appropriate to bring up famous African Americans whenever the time period in which they lived is covered, whether that happens to be studied in February or any other time of the year.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, your daughters teacher does not HAVE to teach Black history. By law, she is obligated to teach the state curriculum. It is her choice to incorporate Black history into the state/district curriculum. Chances are she feels that it is YOUR obligation as the parent to teach your/our history to your daughter. You should be able to find some great websites and for any age group that will help you teach your daughter about Black history. Also, try visiting your local bookstore or library to find some great books. Maybe she can go back to her teacher and tell her what she learned with her mom which might motivate the teacher to do SOMETHING.

Good luck!

Answer 4

It depends on that school district. In New york, they do not reserve lessons surrounding African Americans exclusively in February. But it is encouraged to do so. At my school (Charter School) we choose to celebrate African American History during this month. However, we are free to teach anything pertaining Black History anytime we want so long as it pertains to the scope and sequence planned for that time.
Personally, I am quite perturbed by the fact that Black History was given the shortest month of the year. Who decided that?

Answer 5

No, there is no law.

Many teachers prefer to integrate black-history within the context of the curriculum. For example - when I did space, we did astronauts and we discussed famous astronauts of color - and it was in December. Sometimes doing it this way makes it more meaningful.

As long as you feel the histories of all peoples are being adequately covered, I wouldn't worry so much about the timing.

Answer 6

"Cautious Norm" is not so cautious when answering questions such as this. He is one of the many reasons on why the teacher is not teaching it this year. I would talk to the teacher again and if you get no where with her then talk to the principal and then the school Superintendant. If still nothing then go to board of education and make it a point that you are taking it to the public to see. No one likes negative publicity. I am not one for trouble but this is not your employer, this is a education that your tax dollars are going towards.

Answer 7

Should'nt take long.

Answer 8

there is no law about it.