Act 561 of 2017 provided direction to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to update the materials and resources for the teaching of historical contributions made by African Americans in the United States and in other countries prior to the establishment of the United States.  These are for inclusion in the appropriate curricula of all kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) of all public schools in the state of Arkansas.

The list of updated materials and resources for 2022 can be found linked on the Social Studies Resources page of the DESE: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/learning-services/curriculum-support/social-studies-resources

Updates include lessons and materials that can be used to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month. Resources are organized into grade-level bands. 

Resources for Historical Contributions Made By African Americans (Act 561)

Questions should be directed to Amber Pirnique at amber.pirnique@ade.arkansas.gov or (501) 682-5764.