Connecticut Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required under the Connecticut Public Act 18‑24 (effective July 1, 2018)
- Codified in Connecticut General Statutes § 10‑18f
- All local and regional school boards must include Holocaust and genocide education in social studies curricula each school year [oai_citation:0‡codes.findlaw.com](https://codes.findlaw.com/ct/title-10-education-and-culture/ct-gen-st-sect-10-18f/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
How the Holocaust Appears in Connecticut’s Standards
Middle & High School (Grades 7–12)
- Holocaust and genocide instruction is required as part of the social studies curriculum (no specific grade level mandated)
- Districts may integrate lessons into history, civics, English, or other relevant subjects
- High school standards include multiple expectations for understanding Holocaust events and broader genocides
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
Connecticut educators often enhance instruction with:
- Connecticut State Department of Education’s “Teaching the Holocaust and Genocide” resource guide
- Echoes & Reflections curriculum
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum materials
- Survivor testimony videos and other primary source resources
Teaching Notes for Connecticut Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes (Public Act 18‑24 effective July 1, 2018) |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes, across grades 7–12 |
| Grade Levels | Middle school and high school (integrated flexibly by districts) |
| Instructional Flexibility | High—districts choose how/when to integrate lessons |
| Professional Development | Supported by CT State DOE and external partners |
Conclusion
Connecticut law requires public schools to include Holocaust and genocide education each year across grades 7–12. While no specific grade is mandated, districts have flexibility to embed these lessons within social studies or related subjects. Teachers are encouraged to use state resources, multimedia curricula, and survivor testimony to effectively convey both the historical facts and the moral dimensions of the Holocaust within a broader civic and human rights context.