Kansas Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: No
- As of 2025, Kansas does not have a legal requirement for Holocaust or genocide education
- State standards encourage general historical analysis skills—though genocide is not required—by Grades 7–12
How the Holocaust Appears in Kansas’ Standards
Middle & High School (Grades 7–12)
- No mandated Holocaust instruction
- Standards focus on analyzing historical events, diverse perspectives, and interpreting multiple sources; Holocaust may be included at the district’s discretion
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
Educators may choose to use resources such as:
- Echoes & Reflections curriculum
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum materials
- Survivor testimony videos and primary source documents
- Local partner programs, such as offerings from the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education in nearby regions
Teaching Notes for Kansas Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | No |
| Included in Curriculum | Not required—Holocaust teaching is optional |
| Grade Levels | Standards for Grades 7–12, but Holocaust inclusion is not specified |
| Instructional Flexibility | High – districts/schools decide what to include |
| Professional Development | Available via national and regional resources, not state-mandated |
Conclusion
Kansas does not legally require Holocaust or genocide instruction. Its history standards emphasize critical thinking, source evaluation, and perspective-taking for Grades 7–12, allowing schools to cover the Holocaust at their discretion. Teachers interested in including Holocaust content can utilize supplemental resources like Echoes & Reflections, museum curricula, and survivor testimony.