WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CONTACTS

Mrs. Regina Scotchie
Social Studies Coordinator at Office of Instruction, West Virginia Department of Education
Address: Building 6, Room 304
Charleston, WV 25305
Work Phone: 304-558-5325
Fax: 304-558-0459
Email: esotchi@access.k12.wv.us/

WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATION

Bill Number: 647
Year: 2001
Title: West Virginia Commission on Holocaust Education

Legislation:
Legislation: Bill Number SB 647. The West Virginia Commission on Holocaust Education was established by Executive Order of the governor in 1998. In 2001, the commission was legislated by Bill SB 647, with amendments in 2003 by SB 510. The commission is composed of eleven members as specified in the law. The governor appoints the chairperson and the Speaker of the House of Delegates appoints a member for the House of Delegates, the president of the Senate appoints a Senator, The State Board of Education selects two of it members to serve and State Superintended serves or appoints a representative to serve. Additional members include: The director of the Division Veterans’ Affairs, one attorney from the Attorney Generals’ Office, Division of Civil Rights. Two teachers and four state residents all who are knowledgeable in education, civil rights, and/or the Holocaust who serve without compensation and are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate for three year renewable terms. Duties include: Providing assistance and advice to public and private schools, colleges and universities with respect to the implementation of Holocaust Education and awareness program. Compile a roster of volunteers willing to share their verifiable knowledge on subjects related to the Holocaust. Coordinate events memorializing the Holocaust. Periodically report his efforts and recommendations to the governor and legislature. Accept and use any gift or devise of any property or thing which is lawfully given and is authorized to accept state funds as the same may be appropriated by the Legislature. Executive Order:In April 1998 Governor Underwood signed Executive Order No. 2-98 which establishes the West Virginia Holocaust Commission. The Order states that: "Whereas, the Holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi Party resulted in the genocide of six million Jews and the murder of four million non-Jews; and Whereas, the Holocaust stands as a grim reminder and warning to all generations of genocidal crimes and atrocities committed by man based on ignorance and fear; and Whereas, education can ensure that citizens are knowledgeable about the rights, dignity and privileges of others as guaranteed by our federal and state Constitutions and federal and state laws, edicts and rulings; and Whereas, the lessons of holistic trust and respect for peoples of various cultures are important for the citizens of West Virginia as we enter the global marketplace and economy; and Whereas, a resource for schools, churches and communities studying the Holocaust is needed. . . . 1. The West Virginia Holocaust Commission on Education shall be, and hereby is, created. 2. The Commission shall consist of thirteen (13) members chosen by the Governor and such members shall serve at his will and pleasure. 3. The Commission shall: (a) develop curriculum guidelines especially suited for classroom instruction; (b) provide teacher training programs; (c) establish a lending library of Holocaust information available to access from all school districts and serve as an informational center on the Holocaust for the State; (d) coordinate such activities as speaker forums and traveling artifacts expositions to educate the public; and (e) seek private and public funding for the Commissions activity."

Contact Name: Dr. Mary E. Haas
Address: P.O. Box 6122
City/State/Zip: Morgantown, WV 26506
Phone: 304-293-3441
Fax: 304-293-3802
E-mail: maryhaas1@mac.com

WEST VIRGINIA ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Standard Type: History/Social Studies
Date Implemented: 2001
Grade Level: Middle & High School (grades 7-12)
History/Social Studies: Standard 5: History (SS.S.5)- SS.11.5.7 Analyze and evaluate the major causes, events, personalities and effects of World War II. SS.11.5.8 Explain and assess the economic, social and political transformation of the United States since World War II. SS.11.5.12 Investigate concerns, issues and conflicts related to universal human rights (e.g., Holocaust, diversity, tolerance, genocide). History - 11.40 Assess the impact of United States foreign policy on different world regions, 11.41 7,9 Identify and analyze the causes and consequences of world conflicts (e.g., World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf War) (see pages 90-91)
Web Site: http://wvde.state.wv.us/policies/p2520.4.pdf

Standard Type: English/Language Arts
Date Implemented: 2003
English/Language Arts: The Holocaust is not explicitly addressed in West Virginia’s Reading and English Language Arts Content Standards and Objectives.
Web Site: http://wvde.state.wv.us/policies/p2520.1_ne.pdf

WEST VIRGINIA HOLOCAUST RESOURCES

For Holocaust-related resources in WEST VIRGINIA, click on the following link:
http://www.ahoinfo.org/membersdirectory/