A Draft Of California’s Ethnic Studies Curriculum Stirs Controversy

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Credit: Marielena Castellanos

Above: A poster with images of people and leaders from different ethnic backgrounds was displayed at a Lincoln High School meeting of San Diego teachers who back promoting ethnic studies in schools, May 19, 2015.

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Public comment for a draft of the state's ethnic studies curriculum proposal ends Thursday. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are debating whether to make ethnic studies a high school graduation requirement.

Aired: August 14, 2019 | Transcript

A draft of California’s ethnic studies curriculum proposal is out and critics are calling for changes.

The Legislative Jewish Caucus sent a letter to state education officials criticizing the curriculum for failing to include the Jewish experience and anti-semitism. Other critics believe the curriculum is politically motivated. Supporters of ethnic studies point to research, which suggests such courses could have a positive impact on students and help improve academic performance.

The public comment period on the curriculum ends Thursday. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are debating whether to make ethnic studies a high school graduation requirement.

Nina Agrawal, an education reporter with the Los Angeles Times, joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to discuss the controversy over the proposal.