Education
AP Psychology in Schools: Florida Board of Education Ensures Safety and Dispels Misinterpretations
Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes
Title: Controversy Resolved: AP Psychology Allowed in Florida Schools, Confirms DOE
Date: [Insert Date]
The Florida Department of Education (DOE) has put an end to the controversy surrounding the teaching of Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology in the state’s schools. The DOE confirmed that the course can still be taught in its entirety, providing a sense of relief to educators, parents, and students.
The issue arose when the College Board, the organization responsible for AP courses, claimed that teaching AP Psychology would violate state education laws in Florida. As a result, several school districts hastily dropped the course just days before the new school year began, leaving students and educators in a state of uncertainty.
The DOE promptly responded to this confusion by sending a letter to superintendents clarifying that the course can indeed be taught “consistent with Florida law.” The letter addressed the concerns raised by the College Board and reassured educators that they could proceed with the course as planned.
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. further reiterated the DOE’s stance, stating that he had personally reviewed the AP Psychology framework to eliminate any room for misinterpretation. The controversy revolved around a specific learning target, 6.P, which focused on exploring how sex and gender influence socialization and development.
In response to Diaz’s affirmation, the College Board welcomed the letter, acknowledging that it provided clear guidance and certainty for all parties involved. Prior to this resolution, the College Board had claimed that AP Psychology had effectively been banned in Florida because the course could only be taught if certain topics were excluded. This led many schools to quickly drop the course, fearing that any alterations might render it ineligible for AP credit.
The Brevard County School District, for instance, expressed its concerns, highlighting the dilemma it faced. Teaching the complete content of the course would violate the law, while not teaching it all would result in students being denied AP credit.
Diaz’s letter called on the College Board to stop playing games with Florida students and to continue offering the course without alterations. The DOE’s move aimed to ensure that students would have access to the same quality educational opportunities as their counterparts in other states.
Fox News Digital reached out to both the Florida Department of Education and the College Board for further comment on this development. The extent of their responses is yet to be disclosed.
With the controversy now resolved, students across Florida can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they can pursue their academic aspirations in the field of psychology without unnecessary restrictions. The upcoming school year can now commence with renewed certainty for both educators and students alike.