Latest draft of ethnic studies model curriculum posted for review, comments

The State Board of Education is receiving public comments through Jan. 21 on the final draft of the proposed high school ethnic studies model curriculum that will go to the board for adoption at its March 17-18 meeting.

This is the third draft of the curriculum, which the Legislature set in motion in 2016. Modeled on a college ethnic studies course, it focuses primarily on the histories, struggles and achievements of four groups that traditionally are studied: African-Americans, Hispanics and Chicanos, Asian Americans and Native Americans.

The Instructional Quality Commission, which advises the state board on curriculum issues, made the latest revisions at a two-day meeting in November. In response to continuing criticisms by ethnic and religious groups that their experiences, too, should be included, the commission added references to and lessons about Sikh, Jewish, Arab Americans and other Asian American groups. It also toned down the language in sections containing sharp critiques of white oppression and American capitalism.

In a separate but related action, in September, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have made ethnic studies a mandatory high school graduation course. Newsom referred to dissatisfaction with the wording of the proposed curriculum in his veto message. The chief author of that bill, Assemblyman Jose Medina, D-Riverside, announced last week he would reintroduce the bill this year.

Members of the public can read the latest draft and instructions for submitting comments by going here.