The San Ramon Valley Unified School District now requires students to complete an ethnic studies course to graduate, the district announced in August.
The district covers the communities of Alamo, Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo and San Ramon, as well as sections of Walnut Creek and Pleasanton. In total, the district serves roughly 30,000 students, according to its website.
In 2021, state Assembly Bill 101, passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, states that the completion of one semester of an ethnic studies course would be a graduation requirement for all students in California’s charter and public schools who are set to graduate in the 2029-30 school year. Instruction begins next fall.
According to the University of Colorado Denver, ethnic studies examines the perspectives, cultures and histories of people of color in the United States. It crosses several disciplines such as anthropology, history, sociology and political science.
Ethnic studies aims to take a glimpse into perspectives from Native American, African American, Asian American, Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities, along with a deeper dive into Jewish, Arab and Muslim religions by offering views for students that have historically been overlooked.
According to a study by Stanford University, students at risk of dropping out of school show improved attendance and academic performance when ethnic studies is part of the curriculum.
The course being taught at SRVUSD was developed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Ethnic Studies workgroup and the district also worked closely with other districts, according to the release by the district. The course will not only fit the state’s legal requirement, but will help students learn more about themselves and others.
Superintendent CJ Cammack said that as the school district embraces the change, they are setting up their students for multifaceted learning that will help guide them through a richer education.
“The ethnic studies course will give students space to further their own self-understanding and develop a greater understanding of others,” said Cammack in a statement released by the district. “We look to empower our students with the knowledge and skills they need to help navigate and contribute to a complex and diverse society.”
The development of SRVUSD’s plan is still ongoing, the district said, and will be brought before the county Board of Education for approval in spring 2025 and implementation in the fall. The course will be offered to 9th grade high school students starting in the 2025-26 school year.
Madeleine Hanavan is a 10th grader at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School in Antioch.
