The purpose of Step Four is to provide guidance for the Ethnic Studies Committee to explore and investigate the many curriculum options developed by teacher leaders, curriculum experts, institutes of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and others. Sample lessons can also be found in the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum.

The array of existing ethnic studies curriculum vary greatly in terms of scope, focus, purpose, and format. Some center on specific ethnic groups while others offer a survey course approach. And though the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum focuses on traditional ethnic studies first established in California higher education, characterized by the study of African Americans, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x, Native Americans, and Asian American and Pacific Islanders, it also clearly highlights the importance of addressing local demographics.

Given California’s diversity, the California Department of Education understands and knows that each community has its own ethnic make-up and each demographic group has its own unique history, struggles, and contributions to our state. Therefore, under the direction of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the guidance of the IQC, this model curriculum has been written to include information on the foundational disciplines in ethnic studies, and affords local educational agencies the flexibility to adapt the curriculum to address the demographics and diversity of the classroom. The adaptations should center on deepening or augmenting, rather than scaling down any of the four disciplines.

 - Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, Preface.

• Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum - Chapter One: Introduction

• Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum - Chapter Five: Lesson Resources