Task force says Sarasota is close to 'exemplary' status for African American history instruction
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Summary
District leaders said they have completed 15 of 16 indicators required for the state 'exemplary' rubric, cited partnerships with UCF, USF, Newtown Alive and the Barancik Foundation, and plan to submit artifacts in April for state review toward exemplary designation.
Project lead Dr. Anderson told the board the African American history task force—created July 2024—has made rapid progress implementing the state rubric and building teacher capacity.
"We have completed 15 of the 16 indicators across the six criteria that the state has established," Anderson said, describing structured professional learning (in partnership with UCF and USF), a cross-curricular approach that embeds African American history into ELA, math, science and the arts, and community partnerships that fund field experiences such as a Newtown trolley tour.
The district cited specific supports: a grade-level curriculum framework with hyperlinked resources, cohort-based professional learning that began in October and concludes in March, and planned parent-involvement nights. Anderson said the Barancik Foundation provided funds to support teacher field experiences and the district plans to submit artifacts to the state in April; a 4–6 week review would follow.
Board members praised the initiative, asked about middle-school touchpoints and stressed the need to sustain partnerships. Superintendent Connor and the presentation team said the work will continue past the task force’s assignment and will be integrated into ongoing curriculum and professional learning work.
No policy change or vote occurred at the workshop; the district said it will continue to update the board as it completes the submission and awaits state review.