Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ethnic Studies topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Orange Unified to pilot an ethnic studies course next spring, board hears curriculum plan
Summary
The Orange Unified School District presented a locally developed one‑semester ethnic studies course structured around identity, community, power and action and proposed a spring 2026 in‑person pilot at comprehensive high schools and Richland, with board review and community outreach ahead of a planned November pilot approval.
Orange Unified School District officials presented a draft ethnic studies course to the board, outlining a one‑semester, locally developed curriculum and a plan to pilot the class in spring 2026. The course, designed around four thematic units — Identity, Community, Power and Action — was developed with input from an Ethnic Studies Steering Committee, a Community Advisory Committee and partners at the UCI History Project.
Lisa Green, the district’s executive director for TK–12 curriculum and instruction, told the board the design follows the California Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum while allowing local adaptation. "This course honors student identity, community voice and OUSD’s commitment to equity," Green said. UCI partners described an inquiry‑based progression from self understanding to civic action and emphasized that the course aligns with the state’s recommended outcomes for civic empowerment and academic rigor.
Board members and student representatives asked about implementation details: which grade levels would take the course, whether it would be offered in person or online, support and training for teachers, and how local histories would be included. Student board members said they preferred offering the course to upperclassmen (juniors/seniors) for maturity and alignment with government or civics classes, though presenters said the pilot will include multiple grade levels to help determine the best placement.
District staff said pilot teachers will be history/social‑science credentialed instructors and that pilot training will include at least three days of professional learning and ongoing PLC support. A parent information session and principal outreach are planned as part of recruitment for the pilot; the district plans to bring a pilot‑ready course back to the board in November for formal approval.
District officials also said taking the course will be required for graduating classes beginning with the class of 2030, contingent on pilot results and board approval of a full implementation pathway. "We’re building a course that helps students think critically, connect compassionately, and contribute meaningfully in a diverse world," Green said.
Next steps include continued community feedback, training for pilot teachers, an informational campaign for students and families, and evaluation of pilot outcomes to inform broader rollout and course placement.
