In San Francisco, a required ethnic studies class for public school freshmen faced opposition from parents claiming it was hastily developed and overly advanced. However, student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 85 percent feeling better about themselves and 92 percent more inclined to collaborate with diverse peers. Research from Stanford shows that students enrolled in the program have a graduation rate of 90 percent compared to 75 percent for their peers, with improvements in overall grades and college enrollment, indicating a profound impact on their educational experience.
"You just don't see educational interventions with that kind of impact," Emily Penner stated, reflecting on the significant improvements in graduation rates and college enrollment among students in the ethnic studies program.
Surveys indicate that 85 percent of freshmen felt good about themselves after taking the ethnic studies class. This is an 11 percent increase in self-esteem compared to the previous year.
Students felt that the course encouraged them to engage more with peers from diverse backgrounds, with 92 percent affirming this positive change and enhanced community involvement.
A former student noted that, despite the intensity of the class, it fostered a supportive environment that facilitated deeper thinking about family histories and current social issues.
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