Pacific Grove Unified unveils yearlong ethnic studies course aligned with state model curriculum

Pacific Grove Unified staff and community partners described a proposed yearlong ethnic studies course for Pacific Grove High School at a community engagement meeting, emphasizing alignment with the state model curriculum and the district—s Local Control and Accountability Plan.

Dr. Lawrence Hedquist, executive director of educational services for Pacific Grove Unified, told attendees the state requires schools to offer a one-semester ethnic studies course beginning in the 2025–26 school year and that the course "by 2029–30 this course will be a graduation requirement." He said the district—s proposed offering differs from the state minimum: "we are offering a one year course," to allow more time for project-based work and community engagement.

The course proposal centers on four units: Native American studies, Asian American studies, African American studies and Chicano/Latinx studies. Brandy Lopez, the district—s current world geography teacher and the planned instructor for next year—s ethnic studies class, described course goals and planned signature assignments. "The course aims to foster this idea of critical thinking, cultural awareness, social responsibility by exploring the themes of identity…