(The Center Square) – Abandoning critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion in course materials, the Florida Department of Education has released the framework for an alternative Florida Advanced Courses and Tests U.S. History course.
The acronym is FACT, and it is history coursework that is an alternative to the traditional advanced placement courses.
The Education Department said in part, it “delivers a rigorous, comprehensive exploration of American history and represents a significant step forward in expanding high-quality acceleration opportunities for Florida students.”
Advanced placement courses are designed to prepare high school students for the AP tests, which can qualify them for college credits at schools nationally.
The Legislature in 2023 approved a bill authorizing FACT tests as an alternative to AP tests. It allows Florida students to earn high school credit for completing FACT preparation classes, and college credit at state colleges and universities if they pass FACT tests.
The first FACT preparation course, on college algebra, was tested this year in a pilot program at 32 traditional and charter schools and will be offered statewide in the upcoming school year, the Education Department said.
The history course will also be launched in a pilot program in the upcoming school year, the state said.
“The FACT U.S. History framework underscores our commitment to instruction grounded in the full scope of our nation’s history, while ensuring materials are free from ideological bias or indoctrination,” Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas said in a statement.
In 2023, the College Board, a nonprofit group that offers the AP tests and courses, defended them in a letter to state officials.
“When the College Board undertakes the intensive, multi-year process to introduce a new AP course, we provide states and departments of education across the country with the information they request for inclusion of courses within their systems,” the College Board wrote. “If any state expresses concerns during this process, we consider and incorporate such input only if it is academically valid. Our colleagues who work diligently in states across the country, including Florida, can attest to this longstanding process.”.
Many courses, such as history, deal with “contested” topics, the board wrote.
“The AP Program navigates those challenging waters by relying on our AP principles,” the board wrote. “These principles make it abundantly clear that we stand against censorship and indoctrination equally.”
As a result of the State Board of Education’s unanimous approval, FACT courses and assessments have been added to Florida’s list of acceleration options, allowing students to earn high school credit upon successful course completion and college credit upon passing the corresponding assessment and enrolling in a Florida College System institution or state university.
“The FACT courses ensure Florida students have access to academically rigorous, transparent, and high-quality advanced pathways,” said Ryan Petty, chairman of the State Board of Education. “The FACT U.S. History framework provides a thorough and balanced study of our nation’s past, grounded in primary sources and factual accuracy. It represents an important step toward restoring academic integrity in the classroom after years of uneven and, at times, ideologically driven instruction. Our goal is simple: equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. I encourage districts and charter schools to participate in the pilot of this course.”
FACT courses were established through House Bill 1537, signed into law by second-term Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023, to create an additional acceleration pathway for students. Critics say these courses are designed to provide alternatives to existing options like advanced placement that “consistently embed critical race theory and DEI” into materials.
