What Research Says About Ethnic Studies

• In Event: Cultivating and Expanding Equitable Education Opportunity by Implementing Multicultural Research, Policy, and Practice

Abstract

Christine E. Sleeter will summarize research that describes the effects of ethnic studies courses on the academic achievement and racial attitudes of students. The requirement for teaching ethnic studies in public schools has become a widely discussed and contentious topic since 2000. Several cities, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia have adopted ethnic studies requirements for high schools. The push for requiring the teaching of ethnic studies in the schools is coming primarily from communities of color and their allies. Sleeter concludes, after reviewing the research, that ethnic studies courses increase the academic achievement of racial and ethnic group students and help all students attain positive racial and ethnic attitudes.

Author

• Christine E. Sleeter, California State University - Monterey Bay