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Gilroy Unified adopts new high‑school ethnic studies course to meet state requirement
Summary
The board approved formal adoption of a new ethnic studies course and curriculum as part of compliance with Assembly Bill 101; the course was piloted and carries UC A‑G approval for elective credit, and the vote passed with one abstention.
The Gilroy Unified School District Board approved formal adoption of a new high‑school ethnic studies course and its accompanying curriculum, aligning district plans with Assembly Bill 101, which established ethnic studies as a California high‑school graduation requirement for students entering high school in later years.
Sonia Flores, presenting for Ed Services, said the course was piloted during 2023–24 and 2024–25 and that the materials had been publicly available for review in April. "High schools must offer an ethnic studies course starting in 2025–26," Flores said, referencing the state legislation and the district’s process for textbook and course adoption.
Board members noted student and teacher feedback gathered during the pilot and discussed course structure options (semester or year‑long) and UC approval. Trustees voted to adopt the course; one trustee recorded an abstention. The board directed staff to complete the adoption steps required under district textbook/curriculum policy and to notify impacted schools about implementation timelines.
The adoption places the district’s coursework in alignment with the state requirement and the timeline Flores described, and district staff said they will follow the normal curriculum adoption processes for teacher supports and materials distribution.
