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Ethnic Studies

Curriculum: History

Department Address 
1299 E. 32nd St.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

Department Phone 
(562) 997-8000 x 7142956

Ethnic Studies in LBUSD

This page contains information on the following topics. Please scroll down to learn more. 
  • AB 101 Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement
  • LBUSD Ethnic Studies Courses
  • AB 101 Timeline
  • Ethnic Studies: Our American Histories instructional materials and curriculum
  • Dual Enrollment

Public Review of Course Ethnic Studies: Our American Histories

LBUSD will host two online meetings to preview the Ethnic Studies material. Please indicate which online meeting is the best for your schedule. The dates and times are shown below. Those who complete the linked form will receive an email with the details on how to log in and participate in the Zoom review. 
To register click here
In- Person
-May 7th 2-4:00 PM
-May 12th 4-6:00 PM
Zoom
-May 13th 3-4:00 PM
-May 21st 5-6:00 PM

* If you can not meet at the two Zoom appointments, please indicate your best contact on the registration form so that the Ethnic Studies curriculum team can make attempts to arrange an alternate time or methods for you.

AB 101 Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement California law (2021)

How can districts provide approved Ethnic Studies courses:
  • An existing ethnic studies course.
  • An ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting A-G requirements of the University of California and California State University (UCOP).
  • A locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of the school district. 
  • A course based on the model curriculum developed pursuant to Section 51226.7.

LBUSD Courses

  • New Blended course Ethnic Studies/US History offered at 11th grade 
  • Continue to offer a standalone Ethnic Studies elective course option and dual enrollment opportunities

AB 101 Timeline

Ethnic Studies History Timeline

Ethnic Studies: Our American Histories Instructional Materials and Curriculum

  • Using the same core textbook and structional materials adopted in 2022 with additional digital resources provided in curriculum.
  • Care to ensure the course covers:
    • US History Standards
    • Ethnic Studies tenets and increased diverse representation.

Going beyond the four core groups:
  • Native Americans
  • African Americans
  • Chicano/a/x and Latino/a/x Americans
  • Asian Americans
LBUSD additions
  • LGBTQ2+
  • Jewish Americans
  • Americans with disabilities
Ethnic Studies Tenets
  • Identity: Drawing strength from historical and ancestral origins, intersectionalities, and community potential.
  • Critical Consciousness: Evaluating power dynamics, systems of oppression, and seeking justice through historical inquiry.
  • Resilience and Agency: Cultivating empathy, hope, self-worth, communication, collaboration, and envisioning a brighter future.
  • Civic Engagement: Promoting community responsiveness, solidarity, resistance, and self-determination for social justice.

Dual Enrollment Ethnic Studies Courses

The district is proud to collaborate with Cal State Long Beach in offering free dual enrollment Ethnic Studies Courses to Long Beach Unified 11th and 12th graders.  Students who successfully complete courses earn both Long Beach Unified and CSULB credit toward graduation.  

The primary course, US Diversity and the Ethnic Experience, is a survey of four major ethnic groups (Native American, African American, Chicano/Latino American and Asian American) from the earliest periods of Native American history, through migrations to the Americas, into the present conditions of U.S. society.  Special attention is given to the formation and transformation of each ethnic group and their individual and collective roles in the development of the United States.

Additional classes may be available for students that complete the primary course and wish to gain deeper knowledge in the specified content areas. 

For more information and F.A.Q.'s please click here. 

Contact Info

For more info about the Ethnic Studies classes contact Alan Sheppard at ASheppard@lbschools.net