College Board makes changes to APUSH

Statement from State School Superintendent Richard Woods regarding the College Board’s new Advanced Placement U.S. History (APUSH) frameworks.

“The new Advanced Placement U.S. History frameworks that were released today are a big step in the right direction. I noted earlier this year that I had deep concerns regarding the College Board's new APUSH framework and testing because I did not believe our nation’s history was being represented with a balanced approach. I was able to meet with the College Board’s president – at his request – a few months ago and had a frank conversation about my concerns. I’m pleased to see that many of the very concerns I addressed with him are reflected in the 2015-2016 APUSH frameworks.”

The College Board closely studied Georgia's U.S. History standards and those of other states in making the revisions. They are partnering with the National Constitutional Center to ensure a greater focus on the teaching of the founding documents.


Key Changes

The revised 2015 APUSH frameworks clarify the following areas to reflect their importance in U.S. history.

• American national identity and unity
  
• American ideals of liberty, citizenship, self-governance, and how those ideals play out in U.S. history
  
• American founding political leaders, including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, and Franklin
  
• Founding Documents – including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers – as reflected in a new recommended focus section
  
• Productive role of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation in shaping U.S. history
  
• U.S. role in the victories of WWI and WWII, particularly the contributions and sacrifices of American servicemen and women in those wars
  
• U.S. leadership in ending the Cold War
  
• Role of religious ideas and groups in shaping American society and political life