Instructional Quality Commission

November 7, 2020

More changes proposed for California’s ethnic studies curriculum to strengthen ‘balance’

State schools chief adds lesson plans for Asian ethnic groups who felt left out and rewords sections to encourage multiple points of view.

John Fensterwald

September 19, 2019

California needs time to get ethnic studies curriculum right

The debate over whether ethnic studies is an appropriate and valuable course for high school students was settled long ago.

Linda Darling-Hammond

August 15, 2019

Criticism of draft curriculum for ethnic studies in California intensifies

State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond join those calling for a major revision.

John Fensterwald

May 6, 2019

Conservative religious groups targeting California’s sex education guidance

With the State Board of Education set to vote on new teaching guidelines, groups have launched an aggressive effort to remove recommendations focused on LGBTQ inclusiveness and others they deem too explicit for young students.

David Washburn

November 9, 2017

After hours of testimony, California state board rejects two history textbooks, approves 10 others

Following the longest public comment session in board history, board rejects two Houghton Mifflin Harcourt texts, agreeing with advisory commission.

Theresa Harrington

November 6, 2017

California state board asked to reject textbooks that fall short on LGBT contributions

Two K-8 texts by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt did not comply with state's History Social Science Framework, according to Instructional Quality Commission.

Theresa Harrington

July 14, 2016

After hours of testimony, state board adopts history guidelines

Hundreds of Muslim, Hindu Americans took offense at references to their religions.

John Fensterwald