Massachusetts Holocaust & Genocide Education Summary
Legal Status
- Mandated by law: Yes
- Required under **Bill H 692 (2021)**, now codified as **Chapter 98 of the Acts of 2021**
- Commencement: required in all public school districts beginning with the 2022–23 school year
- Establishes a **Genocide Education Trust Fund** to support curriculum development, teacher training, and district grants
How the Holocaust Appears in Massachusetts’s Standards
Middle & High School (Grades 6–12)
- Every school district must provide instruction on the history of genocide, including the Holocaust, consistent with the state History & Social Science Framework
- Districts determine implementation timing, but instruction must occur during “appropriate times” in grades 6–12
Support & Funding
- The **Genocide Education Trust Fund** finances curriculum materials, professional development, and district grants
- Grants prioritize underserved districts, bias-affected communities, and first-time program implementers
Supplemental Teaching Tools Encouraged
- Materials from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Echoes & Reflections curriculum
- Survivor testimony videos and primary-source documents
Teaching Notes for Massachusetts Educators
| Area | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mandated by Law | Yes – H 692 (2021); Chapter 98; effective 2022–23 |
| Included in Curriculum | Yes – genocide instruction required Grades 6–12 |
| Grade Levels | Grades 6–12 |
| Instructional Flexibility | Medium – Districts choose when during grades 6–12 |
| Professional Development | Funded via state grants and Trust Fund |
Conclusion
Massachusetts requires all public school districts to teach Holocaust and genocide education for students in grades 6–12. The legislation mandates state funding to support curriculum development, teacher training, and grants via a dedicated Trust Fund. Districts must integrate content consistent with state standards and can choose the timing within the grade range to reach students effectively.