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Board approves ethnic studies course; presenters say curriculum will be locally tailored under AB 101
Summary
The Newman‑Crows Landing Unified board voted 5‑0 to approve an ethnic studies curriculum aligned with California’s AB 101 requirements; presenters said the course emphasizes four disciplinary areas and community‑specific materials and includes a district reader compiled with local and family histories.
The Newman‑Crows Landing Unified School District board unanimously approved an ethnic studies curriculum on April 14 following a multi‑year planning effort by district teachers and community members.
A district presenter described the course as grounded in AB 101 (2021), which the presenter said "mandates all students who are going to graduate in the class of 2029 and after are going to be required to pass an ethnic studies course in the state of California." The presentation described ethnic studies as a discipline composed of four areas — indigenous studies, Black/African American studies, Chicano/Latino studies and Asian American and Pacific Islander studies — and emphasized the district's plan to include local community histories and family narratives.
Presenters said the team has spent more than 100 hours drafting daily lesson plans and has conducted community engagement meetings with local historical societies, women's groups and focus groups to compile a reader and local materials for the course. The presenter invited community members to contribute oral histories, memories or family stories to the district's reader.
Board action: Board members moved and seconded the item during the meeting; the motion to approve the ethnic studies curriculum (action item E) passed on a 5‑0 roll‑call vote.
Why it matters: AB 101 requires ethnic studies coursework as a graduation requirement for cohorts beginning in 2029; the district's curriculum approval commits the district to a locally tailored course intended to meet state guidelines and to prepare students for the required high‑school credit.
Board and staff context: The presenter said that research into ethnic studies shows improved student outcomes and bridge‑building in classrooms. The board congratulated the ethnic studies team for community engagement and for preparing a reader of local materials. No amendments to the curriculum were recorded during the meeting.
