Tampabay.com
MAY 23, 2008

Don't know much about history?

2nd_crusade_council_at_jerusalem_2
Fresh off a hot debate over its science standards, the Florida Department of Education has issued a new set of social studies standards for public review. Like its other proposals to update the state curriculum, the DOE turned to experts in the field to help revise the guiding principles for what kids should know in history, geography, economics, civics and more.

Will the recommendations cause a stir in the way that the use of the word "evolution" did when it came to the science standards? Religion does appear in the history proposal, but it would be pretty tough to discuss the world's past without talking about the role of the major religious movements, now, wouldn't it? Imagine a lesson on the Crusades without mentioning the church, for instance.

Only time will tell whether the social studies suggestions rate an A or an F with the public. The state is accepting comments through July 16. To see the standards, click here.

(Image, 2nd Crusade council at Jerusalem, from Crusades picture catalog at Boise State University)

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

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Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

Tony Marrero covers Hernando County schools. E-mail him: tmarrero@tampabay.com.

Marlene Sokol covers Hillsborough County schools. E-mail her: sokol@tampabay.com.

Ron Matus covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail him: matus@tampabay.com.

Jeffrey S. Solochek covers Pasco County schools. E-mail him: solochek@tampabay.com.

Kim Wilmath covers the University of South Florida. E-mail her: kwilmath@tampabay.com.

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