California State Board of Education admits the draft ethnic studies curriculum needs "substantial revision"

In the wake of widespread criticism, the California Board of Education has faced reality, and admits  "The current draft model curriculum falls short and needs to be substantially redesigned."

From an August 12 press release

CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION1430 N Street, Suite 5111
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-319-0827
Fax: 916-319-0175
For Immediate Release

August 12, 2019
Contact

Janet Weeks, Director of Communications
916-319-0313

jweeks@cde.ca.gov

State Board of Education President Darling-Hammond, Vice President Straus and  Member Ortiz-Licon Issue Joint Statement on Draft Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum

SACRAMENTO -- State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond, Vice President Ilene Straus and Board Member Feliza Ortiz-Licon issued the following joint statement today on the draft Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, now under development:

“Ethnic studies can be an important tool to improve school climate and increase our understanding of one another.A model curriculum should be accurate, free of bias, appropriate for all learners in our diverse state, and align with Governor Newsom’s vision of a California for all.The current draft model curriculum falls short and needs to be substantially redesigned.

Following the Instructional Quality Commission’s review and response to all public comments, a new draft will be developed for State Board of Education review and potential approval. The Board will ultimately adopt an ethnic studies model curriculum that aligns to California’s values.”

Linda Darling-Hammond, President

Ilene Straus, Vice President

Feliza Ortiz-Licon, Board Member and Liaison to the Instructional Quality Commission

Public comment on the draft model curriculum will be accepted through August 15. More information on the process can be found at  https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/esmcpubliccomment.asp.