Ethnic studies theory, curricula, and pedagogy are causing sweeping changes to American K-12 education and raising controversy in school communities and state legislatures.

Some states or districts have mandated that students take an ethnic studies course to graduate high school or attend a state institution of higher education. Other states have revised social studies learning standards to include ethnic studies strands.

Some school districts are implementing ethnic studies curricula from kindergarten through twelfth grade, while other districts are revamping English, history, social studies, arts, and even math courses to include an
ethnic studies focus.

Ethnic studies is not only a content area and a discipline, it is a reform movement impacting many aspects of American education. 

When any curriculum, theory, or pedagogy is mandated, it is crucial to understand what it is — not just marketing copy about its supposed benefits, but detailed information about its content, methods, and aims. It is especially important that teachers, families, administrators, and school board members evaluate research claims in order to make informed decisions about proposed changes to curriculum and instruction.

The guide below can help you evaluate ethnic studies curricula and decide whether they are of value in your school.