Anonymous wrote:I actually learned a lot taking DC history at Wilson. It's a pretty cool class.

Hey....what year did you graduate from Wilson? I loved my DC history class at Wilson as well!

Anonymous wrote:silly. 23% of people who move to DC are still here 10 years later. this is why you think it is silly. It isn't home to you. it is me and my child's home (we are part of the 23%) and I am looking forward to his studying the history of his home. He was born here actually.

I agree with your sentiment but the statistics are misleading.

or is this racist. Much of the last 75 years of DC history will be a history of African Americans. I've never heard of any objections to state history requirements - and every state has one (we had an entire year in middle school).

I wonder if private schools have local history requirements?

Anonymous wrote:silly. 23% of people who move to DC are still here 10 years later. this is why you think it is silly. It isn't home to you. it is me and my child's home (we are part of the 23%) and I am looking forward to his studying the history of his home. He was born here actually.

PP, I was the one that stated I didn't appreciate the requirement at first. I moved here 9 years ago with DD (wasn't born here). DC is now our home and I am excited about DD taking DC History next year. As another poster mentioned, if the class is taught well, I do think the students are able to get more knowledge and understanding out of it, more than just DC Trivia.

Anonymous wrote:op isn't from here and so doesn't consider it a home worth knowing about. It's the result of dc transient population. State history is really fascinating - you get to see larger national history playing out in a microcosmic, and you get a deeper understanding to the the spaces you move through that you've never thought about. Dc is no different in this regard than any other state. It's small, but so is rhode island and they have a state history requirement

You nailed it. If she went back to from which she came, her children would most likely be required to study that state's history. But, she cares not for DC. Let's hope her children have a better disposition and appreciation for their adopted city.

silly. 23% of people who move to DC are still here 10 years later. this is why you think it is silly. It isn't home to you. it is me and my child's home (we are part of the 23%) and I am looking forward to his studying the history of his home. He was born here actually.

Anonymous wrote:op isn't from here and so doesn't consider it a home worth knowing about. It's the result of dc transient population. State history is really fascinating - you get to see larger national history playing out in a microcosmic, and you get a deeper understanding to the the spaces you move through that you've never thought about. Dc is no different in this regard than any other state. It's small, but so is rhode island and they have a state history requirement

Don't even think about it in terms of DC history, although it is actually interesting if taught well but that students are hopefully learning other skills about research, analysis of primary source and other historical documents, reading comprehension, writing papers, and presentation skills. If they are weak in these skills it help reinforce them. If not, then hopefully they will learn some fascinating facts about their own country. At least DC history is useful, it is the nation's capital after all.

OMG people. I just wanted to know if there is an alternative. I still think it is silly but if DC has to take the class, so be it. If someone had an alternative i just wanted to know.

op -let it inform your dc's college essay about why growing up in dc is unique. it won't be a waste of time.