Texas is limiting the influence of a new national Advanced Placement U.S. History course and exam amid conservative complaints that they're rife with anti-American bias.
The State Board of Education voted 12-3 on Wednesday to require that all Texas AP history classes adhere to state-mandated curriculum standards, rather than teaching to the national test.
The AP exam was overhauled this year to de-emphasize memorization. The new AP course is designed to better prepare students for the revamped test.
But conservative activists say the American heritage is negatively portrayed.
Some have called for blocking the new exam statewide, but the board lacks the jurisdiction.
Instead, its vote means Texas high school students still take the new AP exam starting in May. But they'll prepare for it by studying Texas-sanctioned curriculum.
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