Redmond School Board discusses state’s new ethnic studies standards, required by 2026
(Update: Adding video, comments from superintendent, board member; correcting elements)
Schools in Oregon will have to change their curriculum to be more inclusive
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In 2017, Oregon lawmakers passed House Bill 2845, which requires students in grades K-12 to be taught ethnic studies. The Redmond School Board held a special meeting Wednesday evening for a briefing and discussion of the new ethnic studies standards.
The board learned more about the standards that need to be set in place and talk about them. The ethnic studies will be part of the required social science standards in 2026.
In 2016, students from the Portland area and other parts of the state were the driving force behind wanting more in-depth social studies. They organized, and championed the cause, wanting representation in their different cultures, and state lawmakers agreed.
"When you look at the curriculum coming forward, it's really age-appropriate," said school board member Liz Goodrich.
As mandated of all Oregon school districts by state law, the Redmond School District already teaches about tribal history, the Holocaust and other incidents of genocide, and ethnic studies and inclusive education.
"That's why I think it's really important to get curriculums adopted," Goodrich said "It's because teachers that haven't had a curriculum that they are are comfortable or happy with. To approve a robust and high-quality curriculum, I think, is a tool our teachers need."
The state Department of Education offers districts lesson plans and materials that can be used to teach to its standards, though it's optional to do so, Redmond School District spokeswoman Sheila Miller said. They also develop training materials to prepare teachers, but the state does not have to approve the district's materials or lessons regarding the standards.
"I will say about current events, as a social studies teacher one thing I used to do was have the students read the newspaper," said Superintendent Charan Cline. "I get a free newspaper subscription for my kids, and we would spend five minutes in the beginning talking about the news of the day. What happened was it related to history and that sort of thing."
Here's a "frequently asked questions" summary of the standards and what they require
