The state of Maine is planning to implement a Holocaust and Genocide course into every middle school classroom as of December 4, 2023. During the Holacaust, and in any genocide, there is unethical behavior; behavior that some feel is inappropriate for middle school students. But, given that children of middle school age retain more content within a given period of time than adults, adolescents learning this subject could be beneficial.
Understanding why war happens, prevention, and misconception can expose children to many sensitive topics. AP News empathizes with parents and students in that “as far as critical thinking skills, middle school students are still developing those, and that’s higher than we should expect them to handle as it is a lot for adults to take in” (AP News, Miller). It is crucial that teachers understand that they are tackling such a sensitive topic and are able to teach it and elaborate on it appropriately. One way that Maine is trying to ensure that it is taught appropriately, is by moving the topic from history to science. It will ask students to consider this event through a scientific lens. Students will examine fossils, first hand evidence, and learn the psychology behind herd mentality. AP News reveals that The Maine Science Teachers Association testified to the administration, “Without providing professional training for, teachers could jeopardize science education” (AP News, Miller). Teachers are demanding professional development in order to be able to move this topic into the science curriculum. If doen correctly, the idea is that students can benefit from the lessons of history and learn to embrace equality in our world.
Currently, almost all districts teach about the Holocaust in history classes. At Madison High School, ‘Holocaust and Genocides’ is an elective taken exclusively by juniors and seniors. Many people disagree with moving this topic to the science curriculum and believe that this class should continue to be taught as a history class. There is yet to be an official start date to this change in curriculum in Maine, but it is something to keep an eye on.