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About Us
Explore our values, history and implementation of ethnic studies in SDUSD.
Our Values and Principles
In San Diego Unified School District,
ethnic studies is a content and pedagogy that humanizes and empowers all people.
We value Celebrating histories and Centering cultures of marginalized groups, specifically Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, Cultivating love and self-worth for ALL students, Critiquing and Challenging power and oppression across systemic, interpersonal, and internalized levels, Connecting learning to past and contemporary movements for social justice, Conceptualizing new possibilities of collective hope, healing, and liberation.
We promote the understanding of Self, Stories, Systems, Social Movements, and Solidarity.
History of Ethnic Studies at SDUSD
Read about the ongoing community activism and work that established ethnic studies in SDUSD.
2015
March 23, 2015
SDUSD approved an Ethnic Studies Resolution mandating the creation of the Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee (ESAC)
2016
June 2016
University of California A-G approved "Introduction to Ethnic Studies" 9th grade course
September 13, 2016
University of California A-G approved "Introduction to Ethnic Studies" 9th grade course
2017
Spring 2017
UCSD Ethnic Studies Course Study Evaluation Project began
June 2017
ESAC Bylaws developed and approved
June 2017 - January 2018
ESAC, in collaboration with district leadership, developed a multi-year plan
December 4, 2017
ESAC members visited model Ethnic Studies School District: El Rancho Unified School District
2018
Summer 2018 - Fall 2018
ESAC members visited model Ethnic Studies School District: El Rancho Unified School District
Fall 2018
Five-day Introduction to Ethnic Studies professional development offered
2019
Spring 2019
Began developing Ethnic Studies US History course: "Identity & Agency in US History"
April 2019
SDUSD School Board voted to require one ethnic studies course as a graduation requirement beginning with the graduating class of 2024
August 2019
District Program Manager for Ethnic Studies, History/Social Science hired
Fall 2019
Facing History and Ourselves facilitated five-day professional development for 10th-grade World History
Began developing an Ethnic Studies World History course: "Power & Identity Around the World"
2020
June 23, 2020
Began developing Ethnic Studies US History course: "Identity & Agency in US History"
Summer 2020
All SDUSD teachers and staff provided with an opportunity to take a 90 minute introduction to ethnic studies professional development
September 2020
3 Full-Time Ethnic Studies Resource Teachers and 3 Lead Teachers hired
The CA AB 331, which would require all California's public school students to take a semester-long ethnic studies course as a graduation requirement, was vetoed by Governor Newsom due to issues with the ethnic studies model curriculum. A new California model curriculum is being drafted
2021
January 2021
Completed SDUSD Ethnic Studies Framework
June 2021
SDUSD Board works to expand funding for ethnic studies and amid increasing right-wing attacks
2022
Fall 2022
SDUSD has hired a total of five resource teachers and five lead teachers
SDUSD identifies 13 ethnic studies liaisons at its high schools
Our struggle for ethnic studies continues today.
Check back to see how our story continues to evolve!
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