Ethnic Studies

• Developed sense of identity
• Increased agency and academic motivation
• Reduced stereotyping
• Improved social–emotional wellness
• Increased civic engagement
• Improved analyzing, responding, and speaking skills
• Increased thinking and communication skills
• Increased attendance, standardized test scores, and GPAs
• Increased graduation and college enrollment rates
• Increased college-level skills
• Increased trust in the classroom
   

The following eight essential outcomes for ethnic studies teaching and learning are offered to assist with K–12 implementation of ethnic studies.

1. Pursuit of justice and equity
2. Working toward greater inclusivity
3. Furthering self- understanding
4. Developing a better understanding of others
5. Recognizing intersectionality
6. Promoting self-empowerment for civic engagement
7. Supporting a community focus
8. Developing interpersonal communication
    

Ethnic studies courses, teaching, and learning are intended to do the following:

• Cultivate empathy, community actualization, cultural perpetuity, self-worth, self-determination, and the holistic well-being of all participants, especially Native People/s and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)
• Celebrate and honor Native People/s of the land and communities of Black, Indigenous, and people of color by providing a space to share their stories of success, community collaboration, and solidarity, along with their intellectual and cultural wealth
• Center and place high value on the pre-colonial, ancestral knowledge, narratives, and communal experiences of Native People/s and people of color and groups that are typically marginalized in society
• Critique empire-building in history and its relationship to white supremacy, racism and other forms of power and oppression
• Challenge racist, bigoted, discriminatory, imperialist/colonial beliefs and practices on multiple levels
• Connect ourselves to past and contemporary social movements that struggle for social justice and an equitable and democratic society; and conceptualize, imagine, and build new possibilities for a post-racist, post-systemic racism society that promotes collective narratives of transformative resistance, critical hope, and radical healing

• Sample Ethnic Studies Implementation Guide

SDCOE Implementation Guide/Timeline
Implementation Outcomes

Phase 1: Planning and Preparation
Map scope and phases of work for 24-25 including

• Activities, deliverables, timelines
• Identify professional development content
• Identify pilot districts/schools for initial implementation

Phase 2: Implementation

• Provide professional development and curated resources (Cultural competency & inclusive teaching strategies)
• Provide support for curriculum development and implementation
• Community of practice (bright spots, feedback and ongoing assistance)

Phase 3: Assess for Impact and Scaling Up

• Assess progress and degree of implementation for ES
• Assess the quality of ES curriculum/courses based on CA Model Curriculum
• Empathetic research (students, parents, teachers, leaders)
• Refine strategies based on feedback
• Scale/expand the implementation to additional districts/schools

SDCOE 2024-2025 ES Objectives

• Offer the support necessary for districts to implement Ethnic studies in high schools for the 2025-2026 school year
• Establish ethnic studies collaboratives for teachers and leaders
• Develop a professional learning series for educators
• Evaluate and assess ES implementation

SDCOE 2024-2025  Foundational Learning Infrastructure

• ES collaboration for teachers 
• ES administrators collaborative 
• ES professional learning series
• Transformative legislative updates 
   

To expand access to high-quality ethnic studies, the San Diego County Office of Education and the Riverside County Office of Education have partnered to launch Project CRESC, the California Regional Ethnic Studies Collaborative, with support from the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association and the Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee.

Project CRESC supports schools in implementing high-quality ethnic studies by designing research-based, asset-driven systems that enhance student success. This initiative strengthens statewide, regional, and local networks to improve academic outcomes for all students.

As part of this work, the CRESC Hub provides free, high-quality lessons, implementation resources, and professional learning opportunities for educators across California and beyond. Developed in collaboration with the Kern County Office of Education and California Educators Together, this online platform expands access to meaningful, culturally inclusive education.

We invite educators, school leaders, and community partners to explore the CRESC Hub and join us in strengthening ethnic studies instruction. Learn more at SDCOE.