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Maranatha Javines signed AB 101 (Alejo bill) PETITION 2015-02-21 22:52:51 -0800Learning history that most accurately reflects our society is necessary to interacting with members of California’s diverse population. Holistic education, or even just the beginnings of it, implores us all to ask more questions, think critically, and demand respect for ourselves and others. Not only would the inclusion of such a policy promote tolerance and acceptance to all of the individuals in charge of our future, but it would give young students of color a truer sense of self-determination. I want my niece to grow up in a world in which she and her peers aren’t afraid to pursuit what they want because they were taught that their heritage, orientation, gender identity, and other identities all have rich and valid history. What has been taught and passed down for generations is a narrative near opposite to that. To support this cause is to believe in empowerment through education. It is absolutely imperative that our education system takes up the responsibility of educating folks about who we were, are, and can become.
Petition in support of AB 101
Add signatureI support AB 101 (Alejo) which would require school districts to provide students with a statewide, approved A-G, ethnic studies curriculum.
California has one of the largest and most diverse student populations in the nation. Ethnic minorities account for over 71 percent of the student population, with more than 90 languages spoken in District schools.
Given California’s annual increase in diversity, it is especially important that students build knowledge of the various racial and ethnic groups in our state. Incorporating ethnic studies courses into standard high school curriculum is a means to accomplish this. In doing so, students gain an encompassed outlook on other cultures while learning respect and tolerance. Additionally, it provides students with the opportunity to learn about their respective culture in the context of California’s history.
Developing ethnic studies programs in public high schools is an integral part of cultivating a classroom environment that is accepting of diverse cultures. It is vital for young people to learn about their history, but also important for them to feel like they can change their communities in positive ways. This bill will help close the achievement gap by reducing student truancy, increasing student enrollment, reduce drop-out rates, and better prepare Californian youth to be college prepared and career ready.
