California educators and leaders at the California Department of Education and State Board of Education continue to grapple with the complexities of developing a model ethnic studies curriculum, which is required by state law to be adopted by March 31, 2020. This project is one of the first model curriculum efforts developed by a state that seeks to address the needs of diverse school communities, to improve school climate and facilitate understanding of different cultures. ACSA strongly supports ethnic studies and recognizes how this curriculum highlights the histories and contributions of communities that have traditionally been overlooked, which enables students to develop an appreciation for cultural diversity, and increases student engagement and academic success. Currently, the Instructional Quality Commission, which is responsible for advising the SBE on matters related to curriculum and instruction, is reviewing and editing a draft proposal, which it will then present to the SBE for approval. A number of stakeholders, including members of the state Legislature, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and SBE President Linda Darling-Hammond, have expressed concerns with the draft. On Tuesday, Aug. 12, Darling-Hammond, SBE Vice President Ilene Straus and SBE Board Member Feliza Ortiz-Licon released a statement on the matter saying, “A model curriculum should be accurate, free of bias, appropriate for all learners in our diverse state, and align with Governor Newsom’s vision of a California for all. The current draft model curriculum falls short and needs to be substantially redesigned. “Following the Instructional Quality Commission’s review and response to all public comments, a new draft will be developed for State Board of Education review and potential approval. The Board will ultimately adopt an ethnic studies model curriculum that aligns to California’s values.” ACSA also believes the draft curriculum needs improvement and is committed to ensuring the final version is free of bias, includes the histories and experiences of all marginalized groups, and is developed in a manner which the field can easily interpret and utilize. The IQC will discuss the model curriculum at its next meeting Sept. 19-20. The IQC has until the end of the year to submit the model curriculum to the SBE.  ACSA will notify members when future opportunities to provide public comment on forthcoming drafts become available.