By Stephen Sawchuk

California has moved a step closer to approving a set of social studies textbooks in grades K-8 that includes discussion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

The state’s Instructional Quality Commission, which reviews textbooks for their adherence to state-developed curricular frameworks, approved 10 of 12 textbook series submitted on Sept. 28. It’s a major step in implementation of the state’s 2011 FAIR Education Act, which requires history and social studies classes to include the contributions of LGBT people.

“It will be so revolutionary to have these books. California is in the forefront of doing this, and doing it respectfully and inclusively,” said Rhina Ramos, the director of California programs for the Genders and Sexualities Alliance, an LGBT advocacy organization.

The law, as I wrote earlier this year, has been on the books for years, but many districts seem to be unaware of it, or dragging their feet in preparing to implement it.

To read the full article, please see:  http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2017/10/California_panel_adopts_LGBT_inclusive_history_textbooks.html