In response to JLN’s request for ethnic studies curriculum, PAUSD has released the following materials:
On September 17, 2024, PAUSD released the following:
Mexican+Migration+1930s+Student+Materials_2 Chinese+Immigration+&+Exclusion+Student+Worksheet Identity_Categories A+Different+Mirror,+Ch+2,+pt+2 Scan+(9) Anchor+standards Intersectionality Mexican+Immigration+in+the+1920s+Assessment_1 Zoot+Suit+Riots+Student+Materials Production 9-17-24 Privilege+chapter Seven Time Periods of Federal Indian Policy – Blank A+Different+Mirror+Ch+7 Thanksgiving History Lesson Ethnic Studies Key Vocabulary 2022 A+Different+Mirror,+Ch+1+pt+1 Scan+(8) Black+History+Timeline-History.com
On November 6, 2024, PAUSD released the following materials:
6715481_2024-25 history sjp syllabus 6715481_angell course guide sjp ap language 2024-2025 6715481_davis sjp ush course guide 2024 6715481_ged00 – sjp english 10a syllabus 6715481_gender studies course guide 2023 6715481_sjp econ course guide 2024 Production 11-6-24
Although PAUSD has disclosed some materials, it does not appear to represent an entire course worth of work. JLN is following up to obtain the curriculum actually being taught by the teachers.
BACKGROUND: The Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) has experienced significant debate regarding the implementation of an ethnic studies curriculum, reflecting broader statewide discussions on the subject.
In 2021, California enacted legislation requiring high school students to complete an ethnic studies course for graduation, starting with the class of 2030. This mandate aimed to integrate the histories and contributions of marginalized communities into the educational framework. However, the law stipulated that its implementation was contingent upon state funding, which has yet to be appropriated.
In anticipation of the mandate, PAUSD began developing its ethnic studies curriculum. This initiative sparked controversy within the community. A group known as the Palo Alto Parent Alliance gathered over 1,400 signatures opposing the proposed curriculum, expressing concerns that it was “highly controversial” and potentially misaligned with state expectations. They also criticized the district’s collaboration with external organizations, such as UC Berkeley, in crafting the course content.
PAUSD officials defended their approach, asserting that the curriculum adhered to the state’s model and emphasized inclusivity. They highlighted that the course aimed to address institutionalized systems of advantage and the root causes of racism and bigotry. The district also emphasized its autonomy in finalizing the curriculum, despite external collaborations.
In January 2025, Superintendent Don Austin announced the removal of the ethnic studies course from the school board’s agenda, citing the absence of state funding and the need for legislative clarification. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as it effectively paused the curriculum’s implementation.
Shortly thereafter, the school board convened a special meeting and voted 3-2 to reinstate the ethnic studies course as a local graduation requirement, set to commence with the freshman class in fall 2025. This reversal followed a contentious five-hour public meeting, underscoring the community’s divided stance on the issue.
As of March 2025, PAUSD is moving forward with implementing the ethnic studies curriculum. The district continues to navigate community concerns, striving to balance diverse perspectives while fulfilling educational objectives. The ongoing dialogue reflects the complexities inherent in integrating ethnic studies into the school curriculum.
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