Florida Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required under Florida Statute § 1003.42(2)(g) (added via SB 660, 1994)
- Further expanded by HB 1213 (2020), including certification and Holocaust Education Week support
- Covers all grades from elementary through high school, K–12 instruction required
Scope & Content Requirements
- Holocaust history (1933–1945) must be taught in a way that promotes investigation of human behavior, examines prejudice, racism, stereotyping, and civic values
- Instruction is age-appropriate, interdisciplinary, and spirals from elementary through high school
- Explicit inclusion of anti‑Semitism definitions and prevention, aligned with Florida’s policy on religious discrimination
- Second week of November designated as “Holocaust Education Week” to reinforce learning around Kristallnacht
Recommended Implementation
Florida Department of Education and the Florida Holocaust Museum (as a DOE contractor) encourage:
- Use of age‑graded, multidisciplinary lesson plans
- Integration through social studies, civics, and character education classes
- Utilization of primary sources, survivor testimony, and interactive materials such as “teaching trunks”
- Participation in Florida Holocaust Museum programs, virtual tours, and professional development
Teaching Notes for Florida Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes (Florida Statute § 1003.42(2)(g); SB 660, 1994; HB 1213, 2020) |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes, K–12 with spiral learning structure |
| Grade Levels | All grades, with increased depth by middle & high school |
| Instructional Flexibility | Standardized mandates, but delivery method is locally flexible |
| Professional Development | Supported via Florida Holocaust Museum and DOE Task Force resources |
Conclusion
Florida law requires Holocaust education across K–12 grades. Lessons must promote critical inquiry into human behavior, discrimination, and civic responsibility, and must be age-appropriate and interdisciplinary. The state supports educators through DOE guidelines, Holocaust Museum‑provided resources, and dedicated professional development.