Voices - An Ethnic Studies Survey

While this process has been amended given the urgent need to replace our current Ethnic Studies curriculum, we are still committed to the same standard of evaluation and engagement.  In order to determine a pilot curriculum for the coming school year, the Curriculum and Instruction division completed an analysis of curricula currently in use both across California and nationally for Ethnic Studies. 

The vast majority of districts currently use an internally developed curriculum.  While many of these programs have great strength regarding their content and design, they did not meet some of our criteria for Common Core and CDE History/Social Studies standards (e.g. Sufficient use of primary and secondary sources, complex text, etc.).  We then evaluated published Ethnic Studies curriculum.  While some programs provided student alignment to our evaluation criteria, their design (such as a digital format and/or shorter course length) was not robust enough to move them forward to piloting.  

Based on this comprehensive evaluation process, we have identified The Voices: An Ethnic Studies Survey as the curriculum best able to meet our evaluation criteria and pilot needs for the 2025-2026 school year. 

The Voices: An Ethnic Studies Survey, published by Gibbs Smith Education, is a yearlong Ethnic Studies curriculum in use in California districts such as San Leandro and Inglewood, and nationally in cities like Syracuse and Pittsburgh.  It is a comprehensive curriculum with digital and print teacher and student materials, with focused guidance and resources for assessment and differentiation.  Designed as a survey course, it covers the following units of instruction;

1. Understanding Race and Ethnicity
2. Indigenous Studies
3. Black Studies
4. Latino Studies
5. AAPI Studies
6. Race and Ethnicity Today 

As with prior adoption work, we are committed to engagement throughout our pilot, evaluation and adoption process.  During the pilot we will hold focus groups and surveys for educators, students and families to share their experiences of pilot curriculum.  In the evaluation process, we will provide opportunities for community members to be trained in and complete evaluation of the curriculum while observing related state guidelines.

On June 30, 2025, San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Maria Su announced a comprehensive plan for the district's Ethnic Studies curriculum beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The plan is designed to support strong student outcomes in the upcoming school year and build on the district’s ongoing efforts to ensure stability and improvement. More information is available on the SFUSD Ethnic Studies webpage.

If you are interested in staying informed via email about new Ethnic Studies curriculum updates, please use this form to sign up to receive public updates, event announcements, and opportunities to get involved and share your input.

Thank you for your interest in and support of SFUSD!