Overview
Teaching about the Holocaust and genocide is never easy. Teachers need to prepare lesson well and have strong background knowledge of the subject in order to facilitate meaningful lessons about the topic. In 2024, HB 2779 amended ARS 15-701.02 to read: the state board of education shall include a requirement that students be taught about the Holocaust and other genocides for at least three school days, or the equivalent, on at least two separate occasions during any of grades seven through twelve. Although this instruction is required as part of the 2018 History and Social Science Standards, this legislation further stresses the importance of these topics and events.
Even though the state standards require Holocaust and genocide students starting in 7th grade, there are many children's booksLinks to an external site. written at much younger levels that introduce the subject like, Number the StarsLinks to an external site., by Lois Lowry. Teachers just need to be ready to answer the questions that our students will have about the books they are reading.
Module objectives: Explore the social studies resourcesLinks to an external site. the Arizona Department of Education provides, especially the resources for teaching the Holocaust and other GenocidesLinks to an external site.. Watch/listen to a professional development seminar, Guidelines for Teaching about the HolocaustLinks to an external site., and take notes.
To Do:
1. Explore the Arizona Department of Education's Holocaust and Genocide ResourcesLinks to an external site.
2. Explore The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher ResourcesLinks to an external site.
3. Watch the Guidelines for Teaching About the Holocaust Links to an external site.professional development webinar provided by the Arizona Department of Education and take hand written notes.
4. Take a photo or scan your notes and submit for credit. The webinar is 1 hour and 17 minutes long, I expect at least one solid page of notes, 2 if your handwriting is big. (You can turn in more than 2 pages of notes- you do not have to limit yourself). Your notes must be handwritten, no typed notes - handwritten notes are good for your brain!