The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) President-Elect and Co-Chair of the VSBA Task Force on Students and Schools In Challenging Environments Rodney Jordan has been selected by Governor Ralph Northam to serve on the Commission on African American History Education.
Jordan has served on the VSBA Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments since its inception in 2013 and has served as co-chair of the Task Force since 2014. The Task Force was created as a result of requests for assistance and concerns among VSBA member boards related to school divisions struggling to reach their most challenged student populations.
“It is an honor to be selected to represent VSBA on this important commission,” stated Jordan, “to ensure that all of us who contributed to the growth and development of our state and country are represented — as fairly and accurately as possible — in what is being taught in our public schools.”
The Executive Order tasks the Commission to issue a report to the Governor no later than July 1, 2020 with recommendations on ways to improve the students experience including technical edits to and recommendations for enriched standards related to African American History; broader considerations for the full history and social studies standards review process; and professional development and instructional supports for all teachers to ensure culturally competent instruction.