San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is taking a bold step to reimagine its ethnic studies curriculum, signaling a commitment to educational transparency and balanced learning.

In a significant move announced this week, Superintendent Maria Su revealed that the district will continue its ethnic studies program with an interim curriculum while conducting a comprehensive review of its existing approach. This decision comes after growing concerns about potential biases and controversial content in the current coursework.

The interim curriculum will align with California State Board of Education guidelines and provide students the option to opt out while still meeting graduation requirements. A diverse review board comprising educators, community members, and families will conduct an independent audit of the existing curriculum.

Key changes include establishing an administrative regulation that requires all supplemental instructional materials to be pre-approved by the district. This measure aims to prevent unauthorized or potentially inflammatory content from entering classrooms, particularly in light of complex global discussions like the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Superintendent Su emphasized the district’s commitment to academic rigor, stating that the new approach will focus on standardized curriculum that meets state education guidelines. The move reflects a nuanced approach to addressing sensitive educational topics while maintaining educational integrity.

The ethnic studies program, initially launched in 2010 as an elective and later becoming a graduation requirement, has shown positive impacts. Previous research indicated that students engaged with the curriculum demonstrated improved attendance and credit accumulation.

As SFUSD navigates these educational reforms, the district is signaling its dedication to creating a balanced, inclusive learning environment that respects diverse perspectives while maintaining academic standards.