On August 24th Governor Ralph Northam signed Executive Order Thirty Nine establishing the Commission on African American History Education.
 
The commission is tasked with:
  1. Reviewing Virginia’s history standards and the instructional practices, content, and resources currently used to teach African American history in the Commonwealth;
  2. Examining and making recommendations on the professional development supports needed to equip all teachers for culturally competent instruction; and 
  3. Issuing a report no later than July 1, 2020, with recommendations for improving the student experience, including but not limited to:
    • Technical edits to and recommendations for enriched standards related to African American history.
    •  Broader considerations for the full history and social studies standards review process; and
    • Necessary professional development and instructional supports for teachers to ensure culturally competent instruction.
Using this form, the public may share insight, thoughts, and ideas on how the Commission can best strengthen the Virginia history standards, as well as African American history education in classrooms across the Commonwealth. 

A series of prompts addressing specific issues relevant to the commission's work are provided, as well as open space for general commenting. 

If you experience any difficulty with this form, or otherwise require assistance, please contact Jenné Nurse in the Office of Equity and Community Engagement at the Virginia Department of Education at jenne.nurse@doe.virginia.gov. For all other inquires please contact Tori Noles in the Office of the Secretary of Education at Victoria.Noles@governor.virginia.gov.

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* 1. Perspective

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* 2. Contact Information

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* 3. How have you been personally affected by the way African American history is, or is not, taught in the Commonwealth?

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* 4. To improve the inclusion of African American history in instruction, what do you think should be considered?

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* 5. How can we ensure that teachers are adequately prepared to teach African American history to diverse student populations?

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* 6. Do you have suggestions about ways to improve teachers knowledge and comfort with teaching African American history? 

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* 7. General comments, thoughts, and insights.

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