Transforming education

Imagine a classroom where students are completely engaged — where curiosity fuels discussion, and debate is not only encouraged but embraced. Picture students asking meaningful questions about content that resonates with their lives, connecting the material to their own experiences and feeling a deep sense of pride because those who came before them are part of the story being told. Now, envision a learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and students are challenged to see the world through multiple lenses. This is what an ethnic studies curriculum offers — a space where learning is celebrated, history is personal and critical thinking thrives.

For over a decade, El Rancho Unified School District has been at the forefront of integrating ethnic studies into the curriculum, helping students connect with their heritage and providing local context in meaningful ways. What started as a bold initiative has grown into a cornerstone of learning that not only engages students but also empowers them to take pride in their cultural backgrounds.

The primary goal of our ethnic studies program has always been to make the curriculum relevant, exciting and meaningful. Students thrive when they see themselves reflected in the materials being used for learning. By offering opportunities for students to explore their heritage, culture and the rich histories of their communities, we’ve seen a remarkable transformation in how they engage with their education. Understanding one’s own history and place in the local context provides a sense of empowerment and belonging, translating into stronger academic performance and a deeper love of learning.

Ethnic studies in El Rancho isn’t just about history, though historical perspectives are certainly important. A key focus is on understanding local experiences — highlighting the diverse contributions, challenges and stories of the communities around us. This integration of personal and local relevance makes our program so impactful.

Our ethnic studies courses engage students critically through culturally responsive pedagogies that help them understand our nation, both past and present. These courses also enable students to appreciate the rich histories and cultural contributions of their own communities. When students understand their history and place in the local context, they gain a sense of empowerment and belonging that translates into stronger academic performance and a deeper love of learning.

The adoption of ethnic studies has empowered ERUSD students and increased their achievements. When asked why they chose to take multiple ethnic studies courses, one student wrote:

“I chose to take more than one ethnic studies class because I feel like I can closely relate to the topics that are brought up. I find that I am more engaged in topics about society than other subjects such as math, science or English. I love how this class goes into deep topics that people don’t like to touch on. I get to learn more about who I am as a person and about other people, their culture, traditions and customs. To me, that is important because as I step out into the real world and travel, I want to be informed and educated. I want to be open-minded and be an ally to people in need.”

For more than 10 years, ERUSD has led the way in developing formal ethnic studies courses. Today, the subject is embedded across nearly all disciplines. From language arts to social sciences and even math and science, ethnic studies principles are woven into the fabric of daily instruction. The success of our program has led ERUSD to host ethnic studies conferences and symposiums, inviting neighboring districts to witness the transformative power of a well-implemented ethnic studies curriculum.