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Modesto schools outline ethnic studies rollout required under AB 101
Summary
District staff told the board the required one‑semester ethnic studies course will roll out in 2025–26 as a freshman offering, with pilot courses this year, teacher training with UC Davis and EPIC Education, and supports to include students with disabilities.
Modesto City Schools staff updated the board Jan. 21 on plans to implement the ethnic studies requirement established by state law AB 101. Laura Hulin presented the district’s approach: pilot courses on high school campuses, professional learning for teachers beginning in January 2024, partnerships with UC Davis and EPIC Education, and a plan to bring a curriculum adoption recommendation to the board this spring.
"State law AB 101 requires that the four fields of ethnic studies — African American/Black, Latino/Chicano/ Hispanic, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Native American/Indigenous studies — be the focus of the content," Hulin said. The district plans to offer the semester course to freshmen in 2025–26 so the requirement is in place for the graduating class of 2030.
Melissa Stone, the district special‑education inclusion coordinator, described strategies to enroll students with disabilities in general‑education sections with "push‑in" supports and paraprofessional assistance. Community member Mary Rolfe, an ethnic studies professor at CSU Stanislaus and a member of the district’s guidance council, praised the district’s inclusive process and said community voices have been central to course development.
Trustees asked for student‑survey data and for clarity about how students taking alternatives (for example AP Human Geography) will satisfy the requirement; staff said students who take other courses can make up the requirement later, similar to how health is managed.
Hulin said the district will pilot two curricula this semester (Newsela and Actively Learn) and pilot teachers will recommend one for district adoption.
