SDUHSD Ethnic Studies FAQ Document for website

Ethnic Studies - Frequently Asked Questions

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CA Assembly Bill (AB) 101

Curricular Questions

Opportunities for Engagement

Graduation & College

Assembly Bill (AB) 101 Questions
Question	Answer
What is California Assembly Bill (AB) 101?	CA AB 101 amended: Section 51225.3 of the CA Education Code to add Ethnic Studies to the CA Graduation requirements and gave an implementation timeline for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to offer a course that fulfills this requirement, as well as ways that a CA pupil may satisfy the requirement. This bill adds the completion of a one-semester course in ethnic studies, meeting specified requirements, to the graduation requirements commencing with pupils graduating in the 2029–30 school year, including for pupils enrolled in a charter school. Commencing with the 2025–26 school year, a Local Educational Agency (LEA), including a charter school, with pupils in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall offer at least a one-semester course in ethnic studies. The specified requirements are that it must be a least one semester, that Ethnic Studies must be the primary content, and that students must accrue credit for coursework in the subject that the course is offered. Section 51226.7 of the CA Education Code related to the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) developing, and the state board adopting, a model curriculum in ethnic studies to ensure quality courses of study in ethnic studies.
What is the timeline for the implementation of AB 101?	Per the bill, all schools were required to offer an ethnic studies course commencing with the 2025–26 school year. The following year it would become a graduation requirement for the class of 2030, which is students entering grade 9 in 2026-2027.
Is there a visual to better understand the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Timeline?	Yes, please see the graphic of the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Timeline.
What are SDUHSD’s plans for implementation?	SDUHSD continues to work with local educational partners, including the San Diego County Office of Education, colleges, teachers, and counselors, on initial professional learning and instructional exploration. The district is in the planning process of an initial course. This work is ongoing and more information will be provided as it develops.
What is CA high school Ethnic Studies?	Per the model, Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary field that addresses ”content considered missing from traditional curriculum and to encourage critical engagement.” The model curriculum focuses on the four ethnic groups that are at the core of the ethnic studies field. At the same time, this coursework, through its overarching study of the process and impact of the marginalization resulting from systems of power, is relevant and important for students of all backgrounds. Includes but not limited to: Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x African American Studies Asian American Pacific Islanders Native American

Curricular Questions
Question	Answer
How was English 9/English 9 Honor selected as the course offering with Ethnic Studies content to fulfill the future (Class of 2030, graduation requirement?	Instructional Exploration began in Fall 2023, aligned with the SDCOE Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoption (p. 7), SDUHSD convened a committee of educators who: have knowledge of the content areas under consideration, were a majority of teachers with substantial experience in the classroom and teachers relatively new to the profession have knowledge or experience with effective and promising instructional practices have expertise with student groups such as Multilingual Learners (MLLs) and students with disabilities; and have knowledge or experience collecting or analyzing data The committee reviewed information and materials including laws, model curriculum, and potential course models for alignment with the State guidance and standards. The following models were initially considered: Model A Embed in an existing course Model B Embed in multiple courses Model C Standalone half-term Ethnic Studies course Model D Menu of courses Model E Standalone year-long Ethnic Studies course In reviewing the potential models and planning, staff took into consideration multiple aspects of implementation including: Student-Focused - existing student electives, pathways, and requirements; percent of students taking College Board Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate, especially in English and Social Science; grade 9 requirements (no required history class for 9th grade); opportunities for remediation Logistical - all grade-level courses; semester and 4x4 schedules; facilities; master schedules; credentials Fiscal - costs of sections, materials, and staffing Based on this overall review and information gathered as well as the timeline established in the bill, Model A was the option chosen for an initial course design, as English 9 with Ethnic Studies and English 9 Honors with Ethnic Studies. Students in English 9 or 9 Honors with Ethnic Studies will learn both CA English Language Arts content standards and Ethnic Studies content. The course will fulfill graduation requirements for both English and Ethnic Studies. This was the initial design to implement a course by Fall 2025. In the future, other models may be explored based on student needs to satisfy graduation requirements.
Who is developing the initial curriculum?	SDUHSD has a Design Team consisting of district English/Social Science teachers and district administrators supporting the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Engagement Plan.
How can I be involved as a student, parent/guardian, family member, or community member in the curricular development process?	Members of the SDUHSD community can participate in and provide feedback during the Ethnic Studies Community Engagement Nights, as a part of the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Engagement Plan. Information is below and also available on the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Graduation webpage: Dates & Times 8/14, 5:30 - 7:30 pm 9/17, 5:30 - 7:30 pm 10/8, 5:30 - 7:30 pm 11/7, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Location: Earl Warren Middle School Cove (Learning Commons) 155 Stevens Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075 Fliers: English \| Spanish \| Mandarin
Once a unit is approved by the SDUHSD Board of Trustees, what happens next?	Per the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Engagement Plan, once a unit is approved by the SDUHSD Board of Trustees, district English 9/ 9 Honors teachers may begin professional learning focused on trying on the unit in their classroom. Feedback will be gathered throughout the district as a part of this process in support of continued reflection and refinement of the curriculum.
What content will be included in the English 9/ 9 Honors with Ethnic Studies course?	The State Board of Education (SBE) adopted a Model Curriculum. SDUHSD is using the SBE-recommended model curriculum as an initial guide for professional learning and to inform the development of an initial course offering. The semester of Ethnic Studies, as the primary content, is contained in thematic units, taught through the interdisciplinary method of English Language Arts standards, including reading, writing, listening, and analysis.
What professional development will be offered to SDUHSD English 9/9 Honors teachers related to the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement?	SDUHSD continues to develop and design specific professional learning experiences for the SDUHSD Design Team members and all current English 9/9 Honors or future English 9/9 Honors teachers. These learning opportunities have been scheduled throughout the school year to support the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement.
How does a high school level course differ from a college-level course?	College preparatory classes are introductions to subjects that are further taught at the college level in more depth or at a higher level.
What textbooks or novels may be read throughout the English 9 with Ethnic Studies Units?	Language of Literature 9 - McDougal Littell House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros Black Boy, Richard Wright I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou Typically, an English 9 course may read up to two novels per semester. An English 9 Honors course may read up to 3 novels per semester.

Opportunities for Engagement
Question	Answer
How can a parent/student/family/community member become involved in the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Engagement Plan?	Members of the SDUHSD community can participate in the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Engagement Plan by participating in Community Engagement Nights. Information is below and also available on the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Graduation webpage: Dates & Times 8/14, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 9/17, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 10/8, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 11/7, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Location Earl Warren Middle School (EWMS) - Cove (Learning Commons) Fliers: English \| Spanish \| Mandarin
How are the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Community Engagement Nights being promoted?	The Ethnic Studies Community Engagement Nights are being promoted via: SDUHSD Website (front page) and Upcoming Events SDUHSD Social Media Platforms San Dieguito Union High School District \| Encinitas CA (Facebook) San Dieguito Union High School District (@official_sduhsd) • Instagram photos and videos SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Graduation Webpage Fliers: English \| Spanish \| Mandarin Monthly Superintendent Message Weekly Principal Newsletter

Graduation and College
Question	Answer
Is Ethnic Studies currently a state requirement to graduate from CA high schools?	No, Ethnic Studies content is not a CA graduation requirement for current students. In fall 2024, unit materials were tried on in English 9 and 9 Honors classes and approved units will be incorporated into English 9/9H with Ethnic Studies in fall 2025, as a course offering.
When does Ethnic Studies become a California graduation requirement?	Ethnic Studies would become a CA graduation requirement, commencing with students in the class of 2029-30 (students entering grade 9 in fall 2026). This would mean that all students earning a CA High School diploma must fulfill the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement, per the California Education Code, Section 51225.3 (California Department of Education).
After the 2026-2027 school year, how will students who do not take SDUHSD English 9/9 Honors with Ethnic Studies fulfill the graduation requirement?	English 9/9 Honors Ethnic Studies is the initial course design to fulfill the CA high school graduation requirement and the majority of students will meet both the English requirement and the Ethnic Studies requirement by taking this core course. As with all high school graduation requirements, alternative means for pupils to fulfill the requirements will be available. This may include online, college-level, or concurrent off-campus courses from accredited institutions, summer school, or additional SDUHSD course offerings.
Is Ethnic Studies a requirement to apply to or be admitted to public colleges in California?	Currently, the California Community Colleges, California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC) have not made Ethnic Studies a requirement for admission. We will continue to monitor college decisions related to this subject area. Any course that SDUHSD develops will be submitted to the UC for approval as fulfilling a-g subject requirements.

Resources
Is there a place to view ongoing community updates about the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement?	Yes; please visit the Community Updates section of the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Graduation webpage for ongoing updates on the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement in SDUHSD.
How can a parent/student ask a question after reviewing the information on the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Graduation webpage and this Ethnic Studies FAQ Document?	Parents/students may complete this Ask a Question form, located on the Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement website, for support with any additional questions related to the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement.
Where can I learn more about the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement in SDUHSD?	All information about the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies graduation requirement can be found on the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Graduation webpage.
SDUHSD Related Resources	All information about the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies graduation requirement can be found on the SDUHSD Ethnic Studies Graduation webpage. SDUHSD Course of Study SDUHSD Graduation and College Requirements SDUHSD Instructional Materials
California Resources	CA Assembly Bill 101 CA Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Materials CA Department of Education Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Frequently Asked Questions.