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The goal of Natomas Unified's High School Ethnic Studies course is to help students explore their identities, cultural backgrounds, and the larger systems of power, privilege, and oppression that have shaped history and society. Through the study of the four pillars: identity, origins, and culture; power, privilege, and oppression; resistance and liberation; and action, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their roles within a diverse and changing world. The course empowers students to engage in social justice work and to become active, informed citizens.

Yes, Ethnic Studies is a graduation requirement for high school students in Natomas Unified, in alignment with California's state requirements. In 2021, state lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted a law requiring high schools to offer an ethnic studies course by 2025 and making the subject a requirement for graduation from high school starting with the class of 2030.

Research shows that Ethnic Studies courses improve student engagement, academic outcomes, and graduation rates. Supporters advocate for Ethnic Studies because it equips students to critically examine their identities and the structures that shape their lives, such as race, culture, and social systems. By studying these concepts, students can better understand the forces influencing inequality and how they can actively contribute to social justice.

While Critical Race Theory (CRT) offers one of the frameworks for understanding systemic racism, the Ethnic Studies course at Natomas Unified goes beyond CRT. It includes various analytical tools to explore how power, privilege, and oppression manifest in historical and contemporary contexts. The curriculum addresses complex systems through multiple lenses, such as the Four I's of Oppression (internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and ideological). The goal is for students to recognize that we are all privileged and marginalized in some way.

Ethnic Studies at Natomas Unified encourages students to analyze contemporary social issues, including global conflicts like Israel and Palestine, through the lens of historical power structures, colonization, and resistance. The course uses frameworks that help students examine multiple perspectives, understand the root causes of conflict, and explore paths toward justice and equity. Teachers guide discussions, emphasizing respect for diverse viewpoints while connecting these issues to broader themes of oppression and liberation. Students are encouraged to examine points of view and not take sides.

The development of the Ethnic Studies course at Natomas Unified drew on diverse resources, including contributions from ethnic studies scholars across the country, local community leaders, and academic institutions. The curriculum was developed after gathering historical research, input from educators and students, and a commitment to aligning content with state standards and best practices for equity-based learning.

Teachers at Natomas Unified receive extensive training on culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practices, and strategies for managing difficult conversations. This foundational training ensures that classrooms are emotionally and intellectually safe spaces where students can explore sensitive topics like identity, power, and oppression in a supportive environment. Continuous professional development equips teachers with the tools to foster respectful dialogue and critical engagement.

Ethnic Studies is a required course at Natomas Unified, and it is part of the district's graduation requirements in compliance with state law.  Thus, there is no opting out of state law requirements.

The course is structured around four key pillars:

• Identity, Origins, and Culture: Exploring personal and cultural identities and how family, community, and society shape them.

• Power, Privilege, and Oppression: Examining historical and contemporary power systems, using frameworks like the Four I's of Oppression

• Resistance and Liberation: Studying social justice movements and strategies to resist oppression by focusing on counter-narratives

• Action: Engaging in civic activities and advocacy, encouraging students to apply their learning to real-world social justice projects and, perhaps, work toward earning the State Seal of Civic Engagement

The themes of identity, bias, and social change are central to understanding how power and privilege shape the experiences of different groups. These topics are woven throughout the curriculum because they help students critically examine the forces that influence their identities and those of others. By confronting bias and exploring how social change happens, students learn to recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in building a just society. The curriculum encourages students to see themselves as active participants in shaping a more equitable future.

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex social issues while fostering respect, empathy, and a commitment to justice within diverse communities.