Ethnic Studies is the study of perspectives, knowledge, experiences, and contributions of people of color with a central focus on anti- racism. Historically, Ethnic Studies emerged from social movements in the 1960s as educators and scholars of color pressed schools, school districts, and textbook companies to produce and offer curricula that reflected the diversity and complexity of the United States population (Sleeter, 2011).
The growing body of research on Ethnic Studies shows it has great promise to increase academic achievement, improve cross-racial understanding, engage students more deeply in their school careers, and lower drop-out rates. Additionally, both students of color and white students have been found to benefit socially from Ethnic Studies with increased acceptance and understanding of one another (Sleeter, 2011).
The growing body of research on Ethnic Studies shows it has great promise to increase academic achievement, improve cross-racial understanding, engage students more deeply in their school careers, and lower drop-out rates. Additionally, both students of color and white students have been found to benefit socially from Ethnic Studies with increased acceptance and understanding of one another (Sleeter, 2011).