What is the Ethnic Studies course?
Ethnic Studies is an elective A-G approved 10 unit two-semester course. This course includes a study of the histories, culture, and communities of racial minorities in the United States. It will explore the origin, nature, and meaning of America's racial diversity in order to become more politically, socially, and economically conscious. As an interdisciplinary course it will use a comparative and historical perspective to examine the languages, family structures, spiritual traditions, economic and social issues, political aspirations, and values of diverse groups within the United States of America.
What is the graduation requirement for Ethnic Studies?
Beginning with the incoming freshmen class for the school year of 2016-17, Class of 2020, all students must have completed a 10 unit two semester Ethnic Studies course, during their four-year high school experience.
How will the new graduation requirement be implemented in CVUSD?
All three high schools, CVHS, DMHS, and WSHS, will offer Ethnic Studies to all incoming freshmen beginning with the 2017-18 school year. All three high schools will offer interdisciplinary ethnic studies courses in core content areas such as: history, english, math, foreign language, and electives so that students can satisfy the graduation requirement.
Does this course increase the number of credits students need to graduate?
No. The ethnic studies graduation requirement is embedded into the 220 credits needed for graduation from CVUSD high schools. All Ethnic Studies courses will be CVUSD Board approved and A-G approved by UCOP prior to being offered to students in CVUSD.
Will Ethnic Studies courses conflict with other course offerings and academic programs requirements?
No. Ethnic Studies may be fulfilled through the elective credits needed for graduation or through their core courses. For example, students can fulfill their graduation requirements for English by taking Ethnic Studies Courses like Multicultural Literature or Chicana/o Latina/o Literature.
Is there just one “Ethnic Studies” course, or will there be choices?
There will be more than one choice for students to take. Each high school will offer Ethnic Studies and a variety of Ethnic Studies courses in History, English, Math, Spanish, and College-Prep Elective. Some schools may choose to offer the additional Ethnic Studies Courses such as, Multicultural Literature, Chicano Studies, Chicana/o Latina/o Literature, Social Justice Leadership, Statistics for Social Justice depending on their school needs, staffing, and educational programing.
What are some of the current Ethnic Studies Courses offered at CVUSD?
Currently, there is eleven CVUSD A-G approved Ethnic Studies courses. For more information please review the Courses webpage.
How do I get access to the curriculum for each Ethnic Studies course(s)?
You can access a brief overview of each Ethnic Studies course by clicking on Ethnic Studies Course Offerings webpage, you will be able to find a brief description of the course and units, along with a full PDF of the course outline.
How do I get involved with the Ethnic Studies Steering Committee at CVUSD?
We are open to including all stakeholders in improving the quality of education for our students in CVUSD. If you are interested in getting involved in helping Ethnic Studies, please contact us using the "Contact Us" button below.