Suburban Denver student protest over history curriculum grows

LITTLETON, Colo. (AP) -- In the largest of a series of ongoing student protests, about 700 young people gathered in suburban Denver to rally in opposition to a new set of high school history standards proposed by a conservative-led school board.<br /> <br /> The protest at a busy intersection near Littleton marked a continuation of demonstrations that began Friday with a sick out from teachers upset over issues including the plan to focus on material that promotes patriotism and respect for authority.<br /> <br /> The Denver Post reports ( http://dpo.st/1mSu4MN ) students waved signs and chanted for about two hours Wednesday.<br /> <br /> The Jefferson County School Board proposal comes in response to a new national framework for teaching Advanced Placement history.<br /> <br /> Supporters say the new standards encourage critical thinking. Critics say the changes put too much emphasis on the nation's problems.