The College Board has released the revised curriculum for the Advanced Placement African American Studies course, following months of controversy and criticism. The updated curriculum is set to launch in the 2024-25 school year and aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of African American history and culture.

Brandi Waters, senior director and program manager of African American Studies in the Advanced Placement Program, expressed enthusiasm for the revised course, stating, "This is the course I wish I had in high school." The College Board worked diligently to address concerns raised during the pilot phase of the program and incorporated feedback from a diverse group of educators and experts to make final changes.

The course initially faced opposition from conservative leaders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In January, the Florida Department of Education rejected the course, citing its conflict with state law and alleged lack of educational value. However, with the recent revisions, the department has expressed willingness to reopen discussions if the course meets compliance standards.

Arkansas also moved to remove the AP African American Studies pilot program in August, raising concerns over its applicability for college credit and potential conflict with state restrictions on race-related education. Despite these challenges, the course has gained significant momentum, reaching approximately 700 schools and 13,000 students in its second year of implementation.

The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of African American history, covering topics such as the African diaspora, slavery, the fight for freedom, community development after slavery, and political and social movements. The revised course also includes the mention of notable figures like Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling protest sparked controversy, and Kimberlé Crenshaw, a prominent scholar in critical race theory.

Revisions to the curriculum aimed to strike a balance between introductory-level topics and opportunities for further exploration. Efforts were also made to create a diverse and robust source base for students and align the content with college courses for credit.

The development of the AP African American Studies course involved the input of nearly 300 African American Studies scholars, high school AP teachers, and experts. The College Board takes pride in the collaborative efforts that have gone into shaping the course, ensuring its educational value and authenticity.

With the release of the revised curriculum, the College Board hopes to make this impactful course accessible to every student interested in delving into African American history. As the 2024-25 school year approaches, educators and students alike eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with this revised and comprehensive course.