Will California Lead the Way in Ethnic Studies?
There has been a flourishing interest in Ethnic Studies since the State of Arizona banned the successful Mexican American Studies program a few years ago. Arizona has had a history of passing discriminatory laws that have drawn criticism from numerous civil rights and education advocates.
However, in California, the state legislature passed AB 101 Ethnic Studies, which would create a model Ethnic Studies curriculum that school districts across the state could adopt and offer in its schools. This would move California in the opposite direction of its neighboring state and towards a more inclusive and progressive model of education. Governor Jerry Brown should sign AB 101.
Nearly every academic study conducted on Ethnic Studies demonstrates the academic and social benefits to taking these classes. Students of color (who are the majority of students in our schools) should learn more about themselves, their struggles and contributions of their community to the country. Through Ethnic Studies, they can explore and critically think about the world around them in depth; while simultaneously revealing significant issues that are very often left out of our traditional curriculum.
I have met numerous students who have taken Ethnic Studies courses in college always return to say, “Why didn’t I learn about this in high school?”
I have met numerous students who have taken Ethnic Studies courses in college always return to say, “Why didn’t I learn about this in high school?”
I have met numerous students who have taken Ethnic Studies courses in college always return to say, “Why didn’t I learn about this in high school?” If signed by Governor Brown, all students will be able to learn more about each other, which brings empathy and builds community. The increasing diversity of California makes this a necessity and California’s current education standards are unfortunately inadequate.
A research review conducted by Professor Christine Sleeter found that, of the 96 Americans who were named for study in the History-Social Studies Framework for California Public Schools course descriptions, there are 77% White, 18% African-American, 4% Native American, 1% Latino and 0% Asian American. No wonder students who take Ethnic Studies in college feel as if they have AB 101 Ethnic Studies:
