Colorado Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required under HB 20‑1336 (2020) and the updated Colorado Academic Standards
- Holocaust and genocide studies must be integrated into an existing high school graduation‑required course beginning with the 2022‑23 school year [oai_citation:0‡codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-22-education/co-rev-st-sect-22-7-1005?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Colorado Department of Education maintains a publicly accessible resource bank to support instruction
How the Holocaust Appears in Colorado’s Standards
Middle School (Grades 7–8) – Integrated Social Studies
- Holocaust and genocide studies are strongly encouraged, with emphasis on personal stories and historical context
- Content should include accurate historical context, unbiased perspectives, and human-focused narratives
High School (Grades 9–12) – Graduation‑Required Course
- Holocaust and genocide standards must be fully incorporated into an existing required course starting 2022‑23
- Students analyze historical causes, examine survivor testimony, and explore moral and civic dimensions
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
To support instruction, Colorado educators may use:
- Colorado Department of Education’s Holocaust & Genocide Resource Bank
- Echoes & Reflections professional development
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum curricula
- Survivor testimony videos and primary documents
Teaching Notes for Colorado Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes (HB 20‑1336; standards required beginning July 1, 2022) |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes, integrated into a graduation‑required course |
| Grade Levels | Middle school and grades 9–12 |
| Instructional Flexibility | Medium, with local implementation discretion |
| Professional Development | Supported via Echoes & Reflections webinars and CDE resources |
Conclusion
Colorado law mandates Holocaust and genocide education in public schools. Beginning in the 2022‑23 school year, districts are required to integrate robust Holocaust and genocide standards—including historical analysis, survivor voices, and ethical inquiry—into an existing high‑school course required for graduation. Middle schools are encouraged to introduce these themes through personal narratives and context. Educators are equipped with a state resource bank and professional development options to guide effective implementation.