Ethnic studies
Governor Newsom signed the Ethnic Studies requirement for CA high school graduates into law. Finally. It has been a long and contentious path and he signed it just two days before the bill would have expired. Procrastinating the inevitable maybe. I should sound more excited. I certainly support AB 101. It changed significantly from the first version, allowing districts much more leeway and addressing concerns of Jewish groups. But it’s not these details I am focused on.
I am concerned it will be seen as a checkbox that’s now checked when it’s more like a significant to-do item was just added. What does this requirement look like in practice for students and teachers? How can we change how we teach all subjects now so ethnic studies has roots in what our students already know?
More consequential, IMO, was the 2019 passage of a law requiring all California State University grads to have fulfilled an ethnic studies requirement. Why? Because they will become the teachers, social workers, police officers, nurses in our community. Taking this course in college helps fill the great gaps in knowledge about our shared and unique histories that fundamentally affect how we perceive and treat one another. The college requirement helps us play catch up.
BUT - our students need far more than a required course in high school. We need ethnic studies incorporated into the MAINSTREAM curriculum. If Ethnic Studies is required, what does that make U.S. History? Non-ethnic studies? I am also concerned about a racist backlash against the requirement.
Understanding what groups in this country have faced and continue to face because of their identities, provides critically necessary context for conducting life in modern society.
Teach Truth was founded by parents and educators in California who believe all studies need to incorporate ethnic studies, all studies ethnic studies. It’s a complex undertaking, but the first step is awareness.
And the first step for this organization is to garner the support and involvement of teachers - ACROSS DISCIPLINES. Curriculum needs to be re-shaped at every level and supported with rich professional development. We have generations of ignorance to overcome. Yes, the passage of AB101 is a strong nod in favor of inclusive education. But our work is just beginning and we have a lot to do.