Indiana Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Implemented through state academic standards requiring Holocaust and genocide instruction in grades 7–12
- Indiana is among the 23 states with publicly documented Holocaust education plans, per the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
How the Holocaust Appears in Indiana’s Standards
Middle & High School (Grades 7–12)
- Students are required to study genocide, including the Holocaust, at least once between grades 7–12
- Instruction addresses historical context, causes of genocide, and survivor testimony within world and U.S. history frameworks
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
Educators are encouraged to enhance lessons with:
- Resources from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Echoes & Reflections curriculum
- CANDLES Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Indiana
- Survivor testimony and primary source documents
Teaching Notes for Indiana Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – Genocide, including Holocaust, required grades 7–12 |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – integrated in world & U.S. history courses |
| Grade Levels | Grades 7–12 |
| Instructional Flexibility | Medium – standards set expectations; districts design units |
| Professional Development | Supported via state guidance and national curriculum partners |
Conclusion
Indiana requires Holocaust and genocide education for grades 7–12 within state history standards. Instruction covers historical causes, moral considerations, and survivor perspectives. Educators are encouraged to use a variety of quality resources—including museum materials, testimony videos, and established curricula like Echoes & Reflections—to enrich these lessons.