Introduction
Statement from SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Maria Su (June 12, 2025):
Since assuming office 7 months ago, I have prioritized rebuilding trust through responsive and genuine engagement with parents and educators to understand and address their concerns.
As a governance team, I am working closely with the SF Board of Education to implement the Board policy requiring two semesters of Ethnic Studies for high school graduation. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to evaluate and improve curriculum standards for Ethnic Studies and recognize that this is a long-standing issue. As a school district that celebrates our diversity and inclusivity, we must provide an educational experience for every student that honors their lived experiences and the District’s core values. This includes establishing and reinforcing curriculum standards aimed at creating safe and welcoming learning environments for all SFUSD students. I’ve heard the concerns about our Ethnic Studies curriculum and I am committed to addressing concerns. I look forward to continued dialogue and discussion with the community.
SFUSD 9th-Grade Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Link to this section
SFUSD Ethnic Studies Course Student Survey Results 2023-2024
Link to this section
Furthering Knowledge and Love of Self
76% of students agree + strongly agree that our Ethnic Studies course is helping them understand themselves better.
Positive Academic Self Image
83% of students responded that our Ethnic Studies course is making them feel more positively about themselves as a learner.
Understanding Multiple Perspectives & Backgrounds
94% of students responded that our Ethnic Studies course is helping them understand perspectives and backgrounds different from their own.
Important Readings About SFUSD's Ethnic Studies Program
Link to this section
The following are some key texts to read for those interested:
Ethnic Studies Increases Longer-Run Academic Engagement and Attainment by Sade Bonilla, Thomas Dee and Emily Penner (quantitative study published in the National Academy of Sciences illustrating the academic gains resulting from our Ethnic Studies course, even 4 years later)
New Ethnic Studies Requirements Mean More Lessons About Race by Linda K. Wertheimer (Boston Globe comparative piece on the SFUSD's Ethnic Studies program can be a model for others across the nation)
Advancing Ethnic Studies with Youth Storytelling by Soundtrap (the why, what and how of our youth podcasting project)
SFUSD Ethnic Studies Curriculum Question/Concern Form
Link to this section
This page was last updated on June 13, 2025