Any Ethnic Studies program to be implemented should be approved by the local governing board based on local processes in place. However if the program is a locally developed program, it must come before the local board twice before final approval is given, with an opportunity for public comment in between as stated in AB101, Chapter 661:

(IV) A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school. The proposed course shall first be presented at a public meeting of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and shall not be approved until a subsequent public meeting of the governing board or governing body at which the public has had the opportunity to express its views on the proposed course.

Adopting an Ethnic Studies program is one thing; implementing it effectively is another. Because of the sensitive nature of subject matter, it is critically important for:

1. parents and families to become familiar with the course before instruction begins;

2. community members to be cognizant of the content and purpose of the course;

3. school leaders to be prepared to respond to questions and concerns; and

4. teachers to have the content knowledge of the subject matter and pedagogical expertise to deliver instruction in a respectful, effective manner.

The purpose of Step Six is to provide guidance for developing and implementing a plan to inform families and community members of the ethnic studies course to be implemented, a communications plan to respond to questions and concerns, and professional development and support mechanisms for teachers to deliver instruction effectively.