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Modesto board narrows graduation requirements, adds ethnic studies and approves continuation and adult‑ed changes after lengthy debate
Summary
After hours of debate on equity and practical coursework, the Modesto City Schools board approved changes that add a required ethnic studies semester, move world geography/religions into electives, and lower some credit totals for continuation and adult education programs. Trustees split 5–2 on the comprehensive policy and voted separately on continuation and adult‑ed rules.
The Modesto City Schools Board of Education approved a set of revisions to district graduation policies on Dec. 16, following multi‑hour discussion about equity, English‑learner course loads and career‑focused alternatives.
The board voted 5–2 to adopt the comprehensive high school policy language that codifies earlier decisions to require a one‑semester ethnic studies course for incoming ninth graders, move world geography/religions into the elective bucket, and reduce the district's overall credit requirement from 230 to 220. Vice President Miestas moved the motion; Trustee Brown seconded it. Trustees Daly and Marks voted no.
Why it matters: Board members said the changes are intended to remove barriers for students who are locked into required English‑learner coursework and to broaden options for students to pursue electives, CTE and other pathways. Advocates said the ethnic studies requirement…
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