Education Beat Podcast — Family reunited after four years separated by immigration policy — Listen Now!
EXPLORE: Quick GuidesSmarter Balanced test scores for 2022
Curriculum
Topic

Ethnic Studies

In 2021, California became the first state to require all students to complete a semester-long course in ethnic studies to earn a high school diploma. High schools must start to offer courses starting in the 2025-26 school year. But there is still debate over what the course should cover and many teachers still feel they need more preparation to teach ethnic studies.

Commentary
March 8, 2023

The Legislature can — and should — pull the plug on ethnic studies

California’s ethnic studies graduation law can be suspended without further legislative action under the bill’s own terms, which state the requirement becomes operative “only upon an appropriation of funds by the Legislature.”

Tammi Rossman-Benjamin 
Commentary
December 19, 2022

New evangelical school board majority exposes deep polarization in Temecula

Adults like those who make up the new school board majority in Temecula always underestimate the enduring power of the positive teacher/student relationship.

Carl Cohn
Commentary
December 6, 2022

How to meet the challenge of effectively teaching ethnic studies

California educators must design curriculum that elevates nondominant narratives without "spouting ideology."

Suneal Kolluri and Leslee Edwards
Commentary
June 26, 2022

California schools should opt for inclusive ethnic studies

As school districts are readying to spend $50 million from the state for ethnic studies curriculum development, they should adopt an ethnic studies course that is inclusive and ensure the process is transparent and open to input.

Bill Honig
Ethnic Studies
June 1, 2022

Debate turns hot over UC proposal to set criteria for high school ethnic studies

UC board that sets high school admissions requirements rejects draft ethnic studies guidelines viewed as ideological and divisive; drafters vow to fight on.

John Fensterwald
Preparation
May 12, 2022

Will California teachers be ready to teach ethnic studies? Some say training needed

Some, including key lawmaker, say California teachers won't be properly prepared to teach ethnic studies requirement without special training.

Ashley A. Smith
Ethnic Studies
April 12, 2022

UC considers imposing criteria for California’s high school ethnic studies classes

Requirements proposed by UC ethnic studies faculty revive teachings on race that the State Board of Education largely dismissed as biased and divisive.

John Fensterwald
Race and Equity
October 8, 2021

California becomes first state to require ethnic studies in high school

One year after he vetoed legislation, Gov. Newsom signs bill, also releasing $50 million for districts to create ethnic studies curricula.

John Fensterwald
State Education Policy
September 28, 2021

Civics proponents urge common ground in battles over ethnic studies

10 civics education leaders criticize “extreme” views of history and ethnic studies, urge learning based on independent, critical thinking.

John Fensterwald
East Bay Schools
September 22, 2021

East Bay middle school renamed to honor local 100-year-old park ranger and activist

Renowned civil rights activist and National Park ranger Betty Reid Soskin spent her 100th birthday at an El Sobrante middle school that renamed itself after her.

Ali Tadayon
Ethnic Studies
September 7, 2021

Research finds ethnic studies in San Francisco had enduring impact

Higher rates of graduation and college enrollment are tracked to course, but researcher urges caution in interpreting the study.

John Fensterwald
Race and Equity
July 21, 2021

Orange County to explore tense issues over ethnic studies and race

Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares and the county board say they aren't competing, but viewpoints at two upcoming forums will differ.

John Fensterwald
Community Colleges
July 13, 2021

California community college students will soon be required to take ethnic studies

The community college system's board of governors voted to amend the system's general education requirements and add an ethnic studies class.

Michael Burke
Quick Guides
June 9, 2021

Quick Guide: Ethnic studies requirement coming to California community colleges

California's community colleges plan to require many students to take an ethnic studies class. Here's what you need to know.

Michael Burke
Community Colleges
May 24, 2021

California’s community colleges move to require ethnic studies

Soon, any student pursuing an associate degree at a California community college will likely need to take an ethnic studies class.

Michael Burke