DES MOINES, IA (KCCI) – The State Board of Education took its final look at new social studies standards.

The state panel that oversees Iowa’s education system approved new social studies standards. These were passed unanimously for grades K-12.

The new standards came about as part of legislation passed in May 2024.

Last year, educators and administrators teamed up to review and make recommendations.

Public input was also taken.

That included a request at Thursday’s meeting from the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines.

“I’m here today to respectfully suggest that one important addition be made. That antisemitism be explicitly named and addressed in the Holocaust-related standards. The Holocaust did not happen in a vacuum,” Bernstein said to the board.

Bernstein pointed to antisemitic attacks, including the attack on a Mississippi synagogue last weekend.

The social studies standards were last updated in 2017.

Updates include more specific lessons on the role of the U.S. and state governments and how they differ from other forms, major events (like the Holocaust) and figures in state, national and world history. Bernstein thanked the board for addressing his issues.

The changes are detailed for grades first through 12 on the Iowa Department of Education’s website. You can find the 220-page report here.

The State Board of Education also approved content for students in Grades 5 through 12 to learn about human growth and development.