State lawmakers: Teach ‘American exceptionalism’ in schools

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A group of South Dakota lawmakers are pushing an initiative that offers an optional social studies curriculum for K-12 and university students rooted in “American exceptionalism.”

Under the initiative pushed forward Monday, the state’s largest teacher preparation institute, Black Hills State University, would develop public university courses comparing the U.S. with socialist and communist nations and oversee a K-12 social and civic curriculum. Education groups pointed out the plan’s lack of long-term funding and implementation logistics.

The state’s social studies standards have been under review for over a year. Education groups have been critical of Republican Gov. Kristi Noem’s effort to infuse “patriotic” education goals into the standards.

 

January 24, 2023