Commissioner of Education’s Task Force on Holocaust Education
Vision
In Florida schools, the Holocaust will to be taught across the curriculum with content infused in ways that are age-appropriate, interdisciplinary, and in every grade-level.
Mission
The core mission of the Commissioner’s Task Force on Holocaust Education is to promote Holocaust education in the State of Florida. On a continual basis, the Task Force shall survey the status of Holocaust Education; design, encourage and promote the implementation of Holocaust education and awareness; provide programs in all Florida school districts; and coordinate designated events that will provide appropriate memorialization of the Holocaust on a regular basis throughout the state.
History
Required Instruction
In 1994, the Florida Legislature passed the Holocaust Education Bill (SB 660) which amended Section 233.061 of the Florida Statutes (s. 1003.42(g), Florida Statutes) relating to required instruction. The law requires all school districts to incorporate lessons on the Holocaust as part of public-school instruction in grades K-12. This mandate identifies both rationales and strategies for achieving Holocaust literacy. By focusing on key elements, the Task Force has created specific recommendations for the scope, content, and outcomes for Holocaust education in Florida schools.
The Task Force
As a result of the legislation requiring instruction on the Holocaust, then Commissioner of Education Doug Jamerson appointed a special Commissioner’s Task Force on Holocaust Education. The Task Force serves as an advisory group to the Commissioner of Education and coordinates Holocaust education activities on his/her behalf. The Task Force continues to pursue efforts to help teachers, school administrators, and other educators identify effective instructional strategies and materials for integrating the Holocaust into K-12 classrooms.
Florida’s Holocaust Education Mandate (PDF)
Project- Based Funding Application
- Holocaust Education Task Force Project-Based Funding K-12 Educators Application 2023-2024 (PDF)
- Holocaust Education Task Force Project-Based Funding University and Organizations Application 2023-2024 (PDF)
Annual Meeting Notes
2020 Annual Meeting Notes (PDF)