Establishing an Ethnic Studies program that meets the goals identified in the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum can be a challenging, yet exciting endeavor. The process requires a long term commitment to careful listening, recognizing, and addressing diverse perspectives of all stakeholders. It’s important that all voices be considered from the beginning to the end of the process to garner and maintain support when implementing your plan.

As stated in the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum:

Governing boards should make (these) decisions through an open and public process that provides for public input and teacher leadership throughout the process. It is important that all steps related to the development of a local curriculum, including the selection of materials, are transparent and involve all stakeholders in the community. This process can be time-consuming and difficult, but it is the best way to ensure that the materials used are high quality and support effective instruction and student learning.1

The purpose of Step One is to provide guidance for establishing an Ethnic Studies Committee, developing a timeline, determining logistics, and organizing tasks for the Committee to function as a professional learning community.

• Assembly Bill 101, Medina. Pupil instruction: high school graduation requirements: ethnic studies

• History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve

• Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum

• Educating for American Democracy

  • 1. The Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy

    2. Pedagogy Companion to The Roadmap to Educating for American Democracy