Maryland Holocaust Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes (effective 2024–25 school year)
- Enacted under the “Educate to Stop the Hate Act” (HB 1241 / SB 1058) passed by the Maryland General Assembly
- Requires the State Board of Education to develop age‑appropriate, interdisciplinary Holocaust instruction guidelines for grades K–12
- State Department of Education to revise curriculum frameworks for elementary (grades 4–5), middle (grades 6–7), and high school English/history courses
Scope & Content Requirements
- Instruction must span K–12, with grade-level appropriate content:
- Elementary (Grades 4–5): Introduction to Holocaust concepts
- Middle School (Grades 6–7): Study of the roots of antisemitism leading to the Holocaust
- High School (U.S. History & Modern World History): In-depth analysis of Holocaust origins, course, consequences, and American response
- All Maryland public schools and state-funded nonpublic schools must implement the revised Holocaust curriculum starting in the 2024–25 school year
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
To support effective instruction, educators are encouraged to use:
- Materials from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Echoes & Reflections curriculum
- Access grants via the Holocaust Education Assistance Grant Program (effective July 1, 2025)
- Survivor testimony videos and primary source documents
Teaching Notes for Maryland Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – Educate to Stop the Hate Act (HB 1241/SB 1058), effective 2024–25 |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – K–12, with specific requirements by grade band |
| Grade Levels | Grades 4–12 (elementary through high school) |
| Instructional Flexibility | Medium – state sets guidelines; districts manage implementation |
| Professional Development | Grants available and DOE guidance for teacher preparation |
Conclusion
Maryland law mandates Holocaust education across grades 4–12, requiring revised and enhanced instruction beginning in the 2024–25 school year. The curriculum spans from foundational concepts in elementary school to comprehensive, analytical studies in high school. Educators are supported with state-developed guidelines, grant-funded resources, and national curricula drawing on survivor experiences and historical documentation to promote civic reflection and informed citizenship.