I think you got it wrong on Virginia -- any state that says students have to memorize four specific historical figures from the twentieth century and appears to pick them primarily to balance the racist politicians (Harry Flood Byrd) with Arthur Ashe and Douglas Wilder gets a zero-thought, micromanagement assessment in my book.

Yes, the quality of the content matters. The issue of historical content and whether it is appropriate is an important discussion for every state.
Unfortunately, our analysis showed us that only two states (Massachusetts and Virginia) can have such a discussion because only two states developed standards for all grades and courses that specify the events, the people, and the places that all students in their state should be learning.
Teachers, students, and parents have a right to know what is expected of students, especially if that state will be holding schools, staff, or students accountable for their performance in those subject areas.