Students Push for AP African American Studies in Douglas County
A groundbreaking course is coming to Highlands Ranch High School. Starting next school year, the school will offer Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies, making it the first in Douglas County to do so.
The course’s arrival is largely thanks to student advocacy. “I had a couple of students come up to me with a petition,” said English teacher Valarie Moses, who will teach the class. “They really wanted this course at our school.” After gathering support, the students successfully pushed for its approval.
Douglas County School Board unanimously approved the course in December, following discussions about its importance. Now, 26 students are already enrolled, ready to explore African American history, culture, and literature in a deeper way than ever before.
A Comprehensive Course Covering Centuries of History
The AP African American Studies course takes a broad approach, covering everything from ancient African kingdoms to modern-day protest movements.
“It’s a studies course, meaning it covers history, literature, visual analysis, and even data analysis,” Moses explained. “It starts with African kingdoms, moves through slavery and the diaspora, and explores political and protest movements up to today.”
This interdisciplinary approach allows students to see the connections between historical events and cultural developments. The course is already being taught in some Denver and Cherry Creek schools, and now Highlands Ranch High and Mountain Vista will be the first in Douglas County to offer it.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
While the course received widespread student support, some community members initially raised concerns. Critics worried that it might include critical race theory, Marxism, or an “oppressor vs. oppressed” perspective. However, Moses assured that the curriculum focuses on factual history and cultural appreciation.
“What it does teach is the history and literature of a culture,” Moses said. “It’s about celebrating that culture rather than making students feel like victims. In fact, it can be empowering.”
Her explanation helped clarify the course’s purpose, leading to unanimous approval from the school board. Board member Tim Moore supported the decision, stating, “On its face, the concept of African American Studies should not bother anybody. It’s an important topic, it’s part of our history.”
Preparing to Teach the First AP African American Studies Class
Moses is preparing extensively to lead the new course. She is reviewing the AP textbook, attending a weeklong AP training, and consulting with an experienced Cherry Creek teacher who already teaches the subject.
She believes the class is essential for students in Douglas County, a predominantly white district. “Our student population is changing every year, becoming more diverse, just like the country. It’s important to honor that and recognize it,” Moses said. “We need a space to teach this because students don’t know what they don’t know.”
Her passion for the course reflects a broader push for more inclusive education. By teaching African American history and culture, she hopes students will gain a deeper understanding of American history as a whole.
Strong Student Interest and Growing Diversity
The course has already attracted 26 students, a promising start for its first year. With student diversity increasing in Douglas County, demand for courses that reflect different cultural perspectives is also growing.
“This is about American history and American culture,” Moses said. “You can’t understand American culture without understanding African American culture.”
With strong support from students, teachers, and the school board, Douglas County’s first AP African American Studies class is set to make a lasting impact.
Leave a Reply