Ethnic Studies

Preparing students for a diverse and inclusive future.

Beginning with the graduating class of 2029-30, all California high school students must complete a semester-long course in ethnic studies to earn a high school diploma. To meet this mandate, high schools must start to offer courses starting in the 2025-26 school year. 

The following eight essential outcomes for ethnic studies teaching and learning are offered to assist with K–12 implementation of ethnic studies:

• Is an interdisciplinary field: history, literature, economics, sociology, anthropology, and political science
• Is the the study of race, ethnicity, and Indigeneity, with an emphasis on the experiences of people of color in the United States
• Grapples with the various power structures and forms of oppression that continue to have social, emotional, cultural, economic, and political impacts
• Highlights contributions to many areas of government, politics, the arts, medicine, economics, and others, made by people of color

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