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Gilroy Unified moves ahead with locally developed ethnic-studies course; second reading scheduled
Summary
Board received a first reading of a locally developed ethnic-studies reader and curriculum developed by teachers and community members to meet the state’s AB 101 requirement; staff will return for formal adoption at the April 24 board meeting.
Gilroy Unified’s board received a first reading of a locally developed ethnic-studies course and accompanying reader that district teachers and a curriculum committee piloted over two years. The committee — composed of teachers, parents, counselors and academics — wrote the reader and designed units focused on community building, identity, history and social movements, and piloted the curriculum with 9th‑grade cohorts at multiple high schools.
Kanani Pratt, the district’s Ed Services coordinator, said the reader is a living document and that the pilot produced positive student feedback: over 90% of participating students rated their experience as "good" or "excellent" and many reported an increased understanding of race, ethnicity and identity. Pratt said the committee designed mandatory lessons for each unit and left teacher-choice lessons for flexibility and local relevance.
Staff noted that California Assembly Bill 101 (2021) requires high schools to offer ethnic studies beginning in the 2025–26 school year; the district is positioning the locally developed course to meet the law’s requirements and has obtained UC A–G approval for pilot sections. The district will publish the reader for public review and bring the curriculum back for a second reading and formal adoption at the April 24 board meeting to align with the master schedule for 2025–26.
