Pacific Grove High School introduces year-long ethnic studies course for 2025 graduation requirement

Pacific Grove Unified School District is set to introduce a new ethnic studies course at Pacific Grove High School, aligning with California's mandate for public high schools to offer such a course starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative was discussed during the recent LCAP Community Engagement Meeting, where educators emphasized the course's importance in fostering cultural awareness and community engagement among students.

The course, which will be taught by Miss Lopez, aims to support students by recognizing their diverse backgrounds and identities. Lopez expressed her passion for ethnic studies, highlighting the course's focus on critical thinking, social responsibility, and the exploration of identity and justice. She noted that the curriculum will include significant cultural holidays and events, allowing students to connect with their heritage and learn about the contributions of various ethnic groups to the community.

The district's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) outlines four key goals that this course will support: building a strong academic foundation, enhancing social-emotional learning, providing intervention and support for all students, and promoting cultural proficiency. The ethnic studies course is seen as a vital step toward achieving these goals, particularly in fostering a sense of belonging among students.

In a notable departure from the state requirement for a one-semester course, Pacific Grove High School will offer a full-year ethnic studies program. This decision reflects the district's commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience that allows for deeper exploration of the subject matter.

The meeting also highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in developing the course, with input from various community representatives, including those from Asian American, African American, Chicano Latino, and Native American backgrounds. This collaboration aims to ensure that the course content is inclusive and reflective of the diverse student body.

As the district prepares for the rollout of this new course, educators are optimistic about its potential to enrich the educational experience and strengthen community ties, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive school culture.