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What is Ethnic Studies?
What is Ethnic Studies?
Ethnic Studies courses combine elements of many subject areas to deeply examine race and ethnicity, and how it has impacted us historically and still does today. These courses have a long history at the university-level, and Minneapolis Public Schools is at the forefront of bringing these critical conversations to our K-12 students.
Ethnic Studies courses combine elements of many subject areas to deeply examine race and ethnicity, and how it has impacted us historically and still does today. These courses have a long history at the university-level, and Minneapolis Public Schools is at the forefront of bringing these critical conversations to our K-12 students.
- Each of our students brings unique personal and cultural assets to school. Our students deserve spaces to explore who they are and how the many facets of their identity impact their experience in the world. Ethnic Studies courses see this as worthy of study.
- Our students want to change the world! Doing that starts with a deep examination of power structures in our society along with identifying ways and developing skills to become agents of change.
- Stories of joy, resistance, and resilience give our students a more complete perspective on the world. Ethnic Studies courses center the stories of communities of color, especially those with connections to Minneapolis and Minnesota.
- Making connections between subjects and across communities provides powerful opportunities for learning. In Ethnic Studies, students help decide topics of study and how they want to take action in the community. Common ways of learning include oral histories, family interviews, youth participatory action research, engaging with community experts, and project-based learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ethnic Studies courses do we offer in Minneapolis Public Schools?
What Ethnic Studies courses do we offer in Minneapolis Public Schools?
- African American Studies
- Asian American Studies
- Chicanx/Latinx Studies
- First Nations Studies
- Hmong Studies
- Race & Identity Studies
- Somali Studies
- Intro to Ethnic Studies [for middle school]
Course options vary by school. Talk to a school counselor about which are available at your site.
Course options vary by school. Talk to a school counselor about which are available at your site.
Who should take these courses?
Who should take these courses?
All high school students are welcome and encouraged to take these courses.
All high school students are welcome and encouraged to take these courses.
Why has MPS chosen to prioritize the development of these courses?
Why has MPS chosen to prioritize the development of these courses?
Over the last several decades, an abundance of literature on ethnic studies courses has illuminated the positive social and academic outcomes for students. Research gathered by Sleeter and Zavala (2020) suggests that ethnic studies courses positively impact:
Over the last several decades, an abundance of literature on ethnic studies courses has illuminated the positive social and academic outcomes for students. Research gathered by Sleeter and Zavala (2020) suggests that ethnic studies courses positively impact:
--high school graduation rates for students of color (Cabrera et al., 2014; Cammarota & Romero, 2009)
--high school graduation rates for students of color (Cabrera et al., 2014; Cammarota & Romero, 2009)
--academic achievement, engagement, and outcomes (Cammarota & Romero, 2009; Dee & Penner, 2017; Duncan, 2012; Ginwright, 2000, 2004; Kisker et al., 2012; Lipka et al., 2005; Lopez, 2016, 2017; McCarty & Lee, 2014; Sharif Matthews & Lopez, 2018; Wiggan & Watson-Vandiver, 2017)
--academic achievement, engagement, and outcomes (Cammarota & Romero, 2009; Dee & Penner, 2017; Duncan, 2012; Ginwright, 2000, 2004; Kisker et al., 2012; Lipka et al., 2005; Lopez, 2016, 2017; McCarty & Lee, 2014; Sharif Matthews & Lopez, 2018; Wiggan & Watson-Vandiver, 2017)
--and student sense of self and identity (Lewis et al., 2012; Thomas et al., 2008; Belgrave et al., 2000; Halagao, 2004, 2010; Vasquez, 2005)
--and student sense of self and identity (Lewis et al., 2012; Thomas et al., 2008; Belgrave et al., 2000; Halagao, 2004, 2010; Vasquez, 2005)
Ethnic Studies courses are one part of our equity work and do not replace efforts to transform all Social Studies courses. The work on all our courses is rooted in ideas of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Ethnic Studies courses are unique in that they are interdisciplinary, co-constructed with students, deeply examine the concept of race as an organizing construct in US society, and students are provided opportunities to examine their own identity.
Ethnic Studies courses are one part of our equity work and do not replace efforts to transform all Social Studies courses. The work on all our courses is rooted in ideas of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Ethnic Studies courses are unique in that they are interdisciplinary, co-constructed with students, deeply examine the concept of race as an organizing construct in US society, and students are provided opportunities to examine their own identity.
Can an Ethnic Studies course replace a required Social Studies course?
Can an Ethnic Studies course replace a required Social Studies course?
No. Given the current Minnesota Department of Education K-12 Social Studies Standards, Ethnic Studies cannot replace a required Social Studies course.
No. Given the current Minnesota Department of Education K-12 Social Studies Standards, Ethnic Studies cannot replace a required Social Studies course.
Will a student taking an Ethnic Studies course also be able to take a variety of other electives?
Will a student taking an Ethnic Studies course also be able to take a variety of other electives?
Yes! Students still have plenty of room to take arts, CTE, languages, or other electives of their choice. In fact, over 70% of students are already fitting in an Ethnic Studies course or an extra semester of Social Studies beyond what is required for graduation.
Yes! Students still have plenty of room to take arts, CTE, languages, or other electives of their choice. In fact, over 70% of students are already fitting in an Ethnic Studies course or an extra semester of Social Studies beyond what is required for graduation.
Students may take multiple Ethnic Studies courses if they choose.
Students may take multiple Ethnic Studies courses if they choose.
I heard Ethnic Studies is now a graduation requirement. What are the implications of this?
I heard Ethnic Studies is now a graduation requirement. What are the implications of this?
The MPS Ethnic Studies initiative started in 2015. Since it began, hundreds of students have taken the courses, with each high school making different decisions about which courses to offer. The school board recently approved a new policy, requiring that all students take a .5 credit (or 1 semester) Ethnic Studies course before graduation. This does not add to the minimum of 21.5 credits required for graduation.
The MPS Ethnic Studies initiative started in 2015. Since it began, hundreds of students have taken the courses, with each high school making different decisions about which courses to offer. The school board recently approved a new policy, requiring that all students take a .5 credit (or 1 semester) Ethnic Studies course before graduation. This does not add to the minimum of 21.5 credits required for graduation.
The policy is effective for the class of 2025, meaning they will need to take a 1-semester Ethnic Studies course before graduating, but those in 10-12th grade next year are not impacted by this change..
The policy is effective for the class of 2025, meaning they will need to take a 1-semester Ethnic Studies course before graduating, but those in 10-12th grade next year are not impacted by this change..
At some schools most students have already been taking an Ethnic Studies course. This policy makes it a requirement for all students and brings alignment across the district. Each high school will decide which Ethnic Studies courses will work best for their student population and students will be able to choose from that list when they register for classes.
At some schools most students have already been taking an Ethnic Studies course. This policy makes it a requirement for all students and brings alignment across the district. Each high school will decide which Ethnic Studies courses will work best for their student population and students will be able to choose from that list when they register for classes.
How can I learn more about Ethnic Studies?
How can I learn more about Ethnic Studies?
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