Ethnic Studies for Secondary Schooling: Collaborative Curricular Insights From a Working Collective

• In Event: Revolutionizing Curricula Through Collective Consciousness

Abstract

The adoption of ethnic studies in secondary schools signals a desire to make school curriculum more inclusive of, and responsive to marginalized students. Yet limited research exists on how educators enact ethnic studies curriculum. This study is framed by ethnic studies principles, a commitment to teachers’ curricular agency, and a “Future 3” curriculum heuristic. Utilizing a qualitative case study, the inquiry examines the work of a group of scholars and educators engaged in curriculum-making and utilizing local oral histories in attempts to develop community-responsive ethnic studies curriculum. Findings suggest high-quality ethnic studies curriculum requires 1) teacher curricular leadership grounded in purpose and knowledge of students’ community, 2) high epistemic quality, and 3) a strategic blending of different forms of knowledge.

Author

• Kelly C. León, University of San Diego
  Presenting Author