The State Board of Education has heard from students across the state demanding that diverse perspectives be incorporated in all subjects and grades and that courses be devoted to exploring ethnic studies in a deep way. In March 2021, the Board adopted a resolution of intent to establish an ethnic studies graduation requirement within the current credit framework (not as an additional credit requirement). The resolution lays out the Board’s thinking on what this requirement could look like and what will be needed to implement it (including professional learning for educators).

In late 2021, we held listening sessions with students, families, educators, and Washington residents about what they’d like to see in an ethnic studies requirement. Watch the pre-session presentation or a listening session linked below:

• Educator session held on October 19
• Student session held on October 20
• Public session held on October 27
• Family session held on October 27

More information

• Statement from the Board on ethnic studies misinformation (November 2022)
• Ethnic studies concept paper (finalized March 2022)
• Watch Alicia Ing, former Renton High School senior share her view about ethnic studies and her experience during last year's Modern Day Racism in Education student panel.
• Watch Jasmin Patrón-Vargas address the State Board at the September 2021 meeting. Topic: ethnic studies implementation in other states, recommendations for Washington.
  • Download a copy of Jasmin’s draft summary of themes from the four listening sessions (submitted for the November 2021 meeting. Her report with additional context will be available in December. 
• Find the new Ethnic Studies Framework and Implementation Tools (ESAC) developed and recently submitted to the Legislature by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Learn more on OSPI's website.
• Sign up to receive email updates from us.