Ethic Studies Curriculum and Course Development program
Our Ethnic Studies program, grounded in Sankofa, Enlightenment ideals, and American civic values, helps educators create balanced and inclusive classrooms. Through 9 weeks of training, we emphasize civic responsibility, historical understanding, and building common ground for all students.
Course Purpose
The 4-week intensive Sankofa Ethnic Studies development course prepares educators to design a
single-semester Ethnic Studies curriculum aligned with district policy, the California Ethnic Studies Model
Curriculum (ESMC), California Common Core Standards for History/Social Science and English Language
Arts, and the principles of Sankofa and Reflective Patriotism. It emphasizes Civic-Based Service Learning as a pedagogical foundation.
​
4-Week Training Schedule
- Week 1: Foundations - Civic ideals, Sankofa, Reflective Patriotism
- Week 2: Resistance & Civic Learning - Ethnic histories and activism
- Week 3: Curriculum Design - Standards alignment and lesson planning
- Week 4: Implementation & Presentation - Final project showcase
​
In-Class Journal Assignments
Participants will complete four journal reflections during class sessions. Each reflection will follow a
Description-Analysis-Application format and respond to content and discussions from that day.
​
Critical Assignments
- 15-page Research Paper on Curriculum Design (APA format)
- Semester Pacing Guide aligned with ESMC and Common Core standards
- Civic-Based Learning (CBL) Project Proposal
- Four Chapter Reflections on selected readings
- Four In-Class Journal Entries
Integrated Learning Domains
Cognitive: Historical analysis, civic ideals, interpretation of systems of power
Affective: Reflective Patriotism, empathy, cultural identity developmentPsychomotor: Curriculum design, lesson planning, project implementation
Civic: Application of civic-based learning, service engagement
Metacognitive: Self-awareness through journals, critical analysis of teaching practice
Key Knowledge:
- California Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC) and guiding themes
- Historical experiences of ethnic and marginalized groups in the U.S.
- U.S. democratic principles and founding documents
Activities:
- Facilitated discussions and civil discourse practice
- Text-based inquiry and thematic unit development
- Civic engagement planning through project-based learning
Skills:
- Curriculum writing aligned to academic standards
- Integration of culturally responsive pedagogy
- Evaluation of historical narratives and civic themes
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities to inspire civility in America by creating opportunities for youth to learn and practice civic values and democratic skills.
Let's connect.