California became the first state in the country to pass a statewide ethnic studies plan for high schools, which will highlight the struggles and contributions of minorities, including Latinos, with the idea of encouraging “racial justice and creating a lasting change ”.
The California Board of Education unanimously approved a guide to help local schools develop ethnic studies courses.
“California students have been telling us for years that they need to see themselves and their stories represented in the classroom,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in a statement.
“Today’s landmark action provides schools with an opportunity to raise the stories and voices of underserved communities in ways that help our state and our nation achieve racial justice and create lasting change,” the official added.
With the passage, California becomes the first state in the nation to offer a statewide model of ethnic studies for educators.
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The final vote came after four years, four drafts, and 100,000 public comments that state law mandated that educators create a model ethnic studies curriculum.
Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, who wrote the 2016 legislation when he was in the California Assembly, noted that he first introduced a K – 12 Ethnic Studies (K-12) bill 19 years ago .
“There is finally movement throughout our nation. Our students need and deserve an education that more accurately reflects the contributions of people of color. Our students must see themselves in what they learn, ”Alejo told the Board before the vote.
In that regard, Thurmond stressed that “by fostering our understanding of the struggles and achievements of people of color, ethnic studies benefits students of all backgrounds, and that is why today’s work is so important.”
While its use is not required, the curriculum is intended to provide local school districts with background, ideas, and examples to begin local discussions about expanding the ethnic studies offering.
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