Vision and Purpose Statements

SAUSD Ethnic Studies Vision

SAUSD’s vision of Ethnic Studies is to empower students to dismantle systemic racism by becoming:

• holistic, curious, critical thinkers

• able to embrace their own identities and the identities of others

• agents of social change

• respectful of other cultures 

• community-centered

• global citizens

SAUSD Ethnic Studies Purpose

The purpose of the SAUSD Ethnic Studies pathway is to support teachers and students by:

• recruiting qualified teachers who will: 

  • embrace the SAUSD Ethnic Studies Six Pillars to inform curriculum and pedagogy

  • hold high expectations for all students 

  • provide rigorous and student-centered instruction

  • create a nurturing and affirming environment within safe and healing spaces 

• providing quality professional development that supports:

  • culturally relevant teaching 

  • critical pedagogy

  • culturally relevant curriculum across disciplines

  • centering students’ cultures, ways of being, and ancestral stories

• understanding intersectionality

• connecting with the community

• recognizing multiple perspectives

• questioning and challenging the status quo