Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies will be a new graduation requirement for the class of 2029, beginning with the 9th-grade class of 2025-26.
Our goal is to provide a meaningful, albeit brief, exploration into the diverse histories and experiences of various ethnic groups, calibrated to be realistic and impactful within its scope.
Standards & Framework
The California Department of Education adopted model curriculum standards for Ethic Studies.
Pathways
Over the four years of required History Social Science all subject-related concepts of the State Framework and Content Standards for grades 9-12 are covered through courses in World History, including Contemporary World History, US History, US Government, Economics, and various elective courses open to juniors and seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
These Ethnic Studies FAQs have been collected from PAUSD, the California School Boards Association, and the Association of California School Administrators. The intent in compiling responses to these frequently asked questions is to provide an accessible guide for the community.
What is Ethnic Studies?
The preface to California’s Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum states that, at its core, the field of ethnic studies is the interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity, with an emphasis on the experiences of people of color in the United States. It emerged to both address content considered missing from traditional curriculum and to encourage critical engagement with a focus on the traditional Ethnic Studies first established in California higher education, which has been characterized by four foundational disciplines: African American, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander studies. (Pg. 3)
What is the goal of an Ethnic Studies course?
PAUSD’s Ethnic Studies course aims to further students’ knowledge of who they are and from where they come. The course enhances student connections to each other and their larger communities while realizing their potential to become active and inclusive members of society.
The goal of Ethnic Studies is to empower students to engage socially, politically, and build critical thinking skills that encourage inquiry. Through these studies, students should develop respect for cultural diversity and see the advantages of inclusion.
Is Ethnic Studies Required?
On September 12, 2023, the Board of Education voted to begin the implementation of the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement for the Class of 2029. Students will not lose an elective class, as the new California Ethnic Studies course will be a part of the four-year History/Social Science requirement for PAUSD.
On January 23, 2025, the Board of Education approved the California Ethnic Studies course outline and confirmed that completion of Ethnic Studies will remain a graduation requirement beginning with the Class of 2029, regardless of a state mandate triggered by funding.
What is the California Model Curriculum for Ethnic Studies?
A model curriculum is a guidance document that provides support to teachers and administrators in developing courses and/or instructional content in a specific topic area. It is not a complete classroom curriculum or instructional materials; it is intended as a resource. A model curriculum is similar to a curriculum framework but with a specific focus. The César E. Chávez model curriculum is an example of a model curriculum that was previously adopted by the State Board of Education.
CDE Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum FAQs
Why is PAUSD offering this class to 9th-grade students when many of these topics are so complex?
By affirming the identities and contributions of marginalized groups in our society, Ethnic Studies helps students see themselves and each other as part of the narrative of the United States. This helps students see themselves as active agents in the interethnic bridge-building process we call American life. Ethnic Studies helps bring students and communities together. This does not mean glossing over differences, avoiding difficult issues, or resorting to clichés about how we are all basically alike. It should do so by simultaneously doing three things:
- addressing racialized experiences and ethnic differences as real and unique;
- building greater understanding and communication across ethnic differences; and
- revealing underlying commonalities that can bind by bringing individuals and groups together.
Ethnic studies is designed to benefit all students. Ethnic studies scholar Christine Sleeter posits, “rather than being divisive, ethnic studies helps students to bridge differences that already exist in experiences and perspectives,” highlighting that division is antithetical to ethnic studies. Her study of the research on ethnic studies outcomes found that instruction that includes diversity experiences and a specific focus on racism and other forms of bigotry has a positive impact, such as “democracy outcomes” and higher-level thinking.
To gauge the impact of the California Ethnic Studies Pilot course in the Fall of 2024, participating students from both high schools were surveyed about their experiences and perspectives once the course was completed.
Summary of pilot student feedback
Are discussions about Israel or Palestine part of the curriculum?
No. California Ethnic Studies is an introductory social studies course for Grade 9 that explores race, ethnicity, and identity within the context of California’s diverse past and present-day realities.
Is PAUSD adopting a Liberated Ethnic Studies curriculum for this course?
No. PAUSD is utilizing the State’s model curriculum, which does not use a liberated ethnic studies framework and was adopted by the State Board of Education in March 2021.
How were teachers prepared to ensure intellectual/emotional safety?
Ethnic studies teachers continue to be trained in pedagogy, social-emotional learning, and safe spaces where multiple perspectives are respectfully examined and discussed.