The ethnic studies model curriculum has been at the center of controversy in California since its proposal in March 2021. After two years of drafting and heated debate, the State Board of Education adopted an ethnic studies model curriculum that primarily focuses on the untold “histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions” of Black, Latino, Native American, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. However, does a class that singles out only a handful of ethnic minorities in America truly serve our diverse country? 

“It's not meant to be just a history class,” says Laura Roberts, vice chair of the Equity Task Force at Vacaville Unified, in this week's episode of The Syllabus podcast. “It's meant to be some of those empowering pieces of culture, of family, of community base. We're giving power to those voices that never had it before. So, there is going to be that scholarship mixed in, and again, what I say is I'm not to tell you whether it's right or wrong, your feelings, your experiences is going to shape what you believe...”. 

Mark Oppenheimer and Laura Roberts discuss the parameters of the ethnic studies model curriculum, what classes will be lost to make room for this new required course, how grading a class based on personal experience can get tricky, and more. 

Guest Bio: Laura Roberts is a social studies teacher in Vacaville, Cal., where she is the founder of a high school equity team. She currently serves as a board member for the Ida B. Wells Education Project. 

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