DC history graduation requirement

[Anonymous]

This high school req seems unnecessary and could be replaced with something more current. Has anyone had success convincing dcps to waive it or allow a substitute?

[Anonymous]

History is unnecessary? Who knew?

[Anonymous]

you want more STEM perhaps. yes, we are replacing education with votech centers.

[Anonymous]

Many states, maybe all, usually have a HS requirement for their own particular history. Why should DC be any different?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many states, maybe all, usually have a HS requirement for their own particular history. Why should DC be any different?

+1

[Anonymous]

Not seeking more STEM wise guy. And yes, history is impt which is why Kids in dcps take US history, US gov, world history. I don't think dc history is in same category. I think kids should have flex to fulfill the fourth history req w constitutional law class, comparative govt etc.

Thx to poster who noted that other schools have similar requirement. I would feel same way if my DC was req to take a course in MD history.

[Anonymous]

its a half credit...relax.
there are still blocks which can be used for constitutional law etc.
you have 7 periods/day x 4yrs=28 possible credits
You need 24 credits to graduate, including 3.5 of electives
So really you have 7.5 credits you can use on constitutional law etc.
Of course, certain colleges may have distinct requirements not covered by DCPS....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:its a half credit...relax.
there are still blocks which can be used for constitutional law etc.
you have 7 periods/day x 4yrs=28 possible credits
You need 24 credits to graduate, including 3.5 of electives
So really you have 7.5 credits you can use on constitutional law etc.
Of course, certain colleges may have distinct requirements not covered by DCPS....

This!

I will admit though that not being a native Washingtonian, I originally felt that DC History was a "waste of time". I kept thinking "who cares about how AM, CH, Anacostia, etc got started and all that stuff". Now that DD and I have been here for 10 years, I understand the importance and even the value of knowing and understanding the History and how DC is organized and governed. I'm now glad it's a requirement and looking forward to my DD learning her DC History.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:its a half credit...relax.
there are still blocks which can be used for constitutional law etc.
you have 7 periods/day x 4yrs=28 possible credits
You need 24 credits to graduate, including 3.5 of electives
So really you have 7.5 credits you can use on constitutional law etc.
Of course, certain colleges may have distinct requirements not covered by DCPS....

This!

I will admit though that not being a native Washingtonian, I originally felt that DC History was a "waste of time". I kept thinking "who cares about how AM, CH, Anacostia, etc got started and all that stuff". Now that DD and I have been here for 10 years, I understand the importance and even the value of knowing and understanding the History and how DC is organized and governed. I'm now glad it's a requirement and looking forward to my DD learning her DC History.

Can anyone speak to the quality of the course? It's one thing if it's a high-quality course. It's a whole other thing if it's a waste of time - even if it's only a half credit.

[Anonymous]

It's really normal to have a state history requirement in high school or middle school. And it's a good way to do history on a smaller scale, focusing on a discrete area, in a way that kids might connect with more closely. It's also fun in DC because it's really easy to go see all the places you learn about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:its a half credit...relax.
there are still blocks which can be used for constitutional law etc.
you have 7 periods/day x 4yrs=28 possible credits
You need 24 credits to graduate, including 3.5 of electives
So really you have 7.5 credits you can use on constitutional law etc.
Of course, certain colleges may have distinct requirements not covered by DCPS....

This!

I will admit though that not being a native Washingtonian, I originally felt that DC History was a "waste of time". I kept thinking "who cares about how AM, CH, Anacostia, etc got started and all that stuff". Now that DD and I have been here for 10 years, I understand the importance and even the value of knowing and understanding the History and how DC is organized and governed. I'm now glad it's a requirement and looking forward to my DD learning her DC History.

Can anyone speak to the quality of the course? It's one thing if it's a high-quality course. It's a whole other thing if it's a waste of time - even if it's only a half credit.

Wouldn't the quality depend on the teacher and the school? I think it has the potential to be a fantastic course, but I think the same way about US history or World History. Could be great, could be lousy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many states, maybe all, usually have a HS requirement for their own particular history. Why should DC be any different?

Yeah, ask me anything about Ohio history. We have as many presidents as Virginia if you count William Henry Harrison who was born in Virginia but grew up in Ohio! Aha! Take that, Virginia!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many states, maybe all, usually have a HS requirement for their own particular history. Why should DC be any different?

Yeah, ask me anything about Ohio history. We have as many presidents as Virginia if you count William Henry Harrison who was born in Virginia but grew up in Ohio! Aha! Take that, Virginia!

But I should add that all of Ohio's presidents sucked by comparison. Still we had a lot of them!

[Anonymous]

I think this sounds like a wonderful sort class to have--as long as it could be taught in a creative way--not some rigid spew out the facts on a test sort of way. They could do a visual project perhaps? Why can't a HS class requirement be creative too?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:its a half credit...relax.
there are still blocks which can be used for constitutional law etc.
you have 7 periods/day x 4yrs=28 possible credits
You need 24 credits to graduate, including 3.5 of electives
So really you have 7.5 credits you can use on constitutional law etc.
Of course, certain colleges may have distinct requirements not covered by DCPS....

This!

I will admit though that not being a native Washingtonian, I originally felt that DC History was a "waste of time". I kept thinking "who cares about how AM, CH, Anacostia, etc got started and all that stuff". Now that DD and I have been here for 10 years, I understand the importance and even the value of knowing and understanding the History and how DC is organized and governed. I'm now glad it's a requirement and looking forward to my DD learning her DC History.

Can anyone speak to the quality of the course? It's one thing if it's a high-quality course. It's a whole other thing if it's a waste of time - even if it's only a half credit.

Wouldn't the quality depend on the teacher and the school? I think it has the potential to be a fantastic course, but I think the same way about US history or World History. Could be great, could be lousy.

I guess I'm wondering if there's a set curriculum and supporting instructional materials provided/required by DCPS/OSSE, and if so, if they're of decent quality.