Summary: The Importance Of Ethnic Studies In High Schools

The issue that I decided to research and advocate for is the lack of ethnic studies in high schools in the San Diego Unified School district. During my research, online I learned that the district has launched a couple of ethnic studies programs in a few schools. I decided to focus on this issue because after having watched the film Precious Knowledge in class, it made me reflect on the importance of having ethnic classes during high school. Why should a student have to wait until after having graduated high school to learn about their culture? But just as important in having ethnic studies so is it important to have teachers in these classes that use an effective pedagogy in their class. The district must make sure that the teachers who teach

The purpose of Ethnic studies is so that the students can learn and connect with their culture, and “its purpose needs to be embedded in its pedagogy” (Tintiangco-Cubales et. al., 2015). Strong Ethnic teachers “recognized the importance of building relationships with their students and students’ parents and the wider community, and built a curriculum around those relationships” (Tintiangco-Cubales et. al., 2015). They know that it is important that the students not only learn the material but also engage with it outside of the classroom. This helps the students become active agents in their communities. As stated in this article “An education that decolonizes and teaches students to challenge racial oppression has markedly positive impacts on students of color academically” (Tintiangco-Cubales et. al., 2015). It’s important that we focus on the pedagogy that is being used in the classroom, it not enough to just have an ethnic course if the teacher isn’t implementing a pedagogy that helps students. As stated, “Ethnic Studies pedagogy must be rigorous, culturally and community responsive, and reflective for it to be effective in living its promise of decolonization and challenging racism” (Tintiangco-Cubales et. al.,

I chose to contact Sharon Whitehurst- Payne who happens to be the vice president of the board of education. She oversees the high schools located in District E which include Crawford High School, Lincoln High School, and Morse High School. These three high schools have a large percentage of students with a Latino/a and African American ethnicity. Only one of them offers an introductory class to ethnic studies. It would be crucial that students attending these high schools receive an education that connects with them culturally. I chose to explain the importance of implementing a pedagogy that goes hand in hand with the Ethnic studies curriculum in my letter. I also chose to advocate for the use of better criteria when hiring teachers for these positions to ensure that students are receiving the best quality of