Pupil instruction: ethnic studies.

(1) Existing law requires a pupil to complete designated coursework while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school. These graduation requirements include, commencing for pupils graduating in the 2029–30 school year, the completion of a one-semester course in ethnic studies meeting specified requirements. Under existing law, the requirement to complete an ethnic studies course may be fulfilled by the completion of, among others, a course based on the model curriculum developed by the Instructional Quality Commission, an ethnic studies course taught as part of a course that has been approved as meeting the A–G requirements of the University of California and the California State University, or a locally developed ethnic studies course approved by the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school. This bill, among other things, would require a school district or charter school to develop an ethnic studies course or any instructional materials for an ethnic studies course with teachers, classified staff, parents, guardians, and community members, as provided. The bill would require a majority of the stakeholders in the development process to be classroom teachers, as provided, and would also authorize the development process to include a piloting process consistent with the guidelines set forth in the "Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions" adopted by the State Board of Education. The bill would also require a district superintendent and the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school to submit a signed certification to the State Department of Education and the state board that the proposed, adopted, or revised course or instructional materials meets certain requirements, as provided. The bill would require the curriculum, instruction, and instructional materials for an ethnic studies course to additionally foster respect and acceptance and to focus on the experiences of communities of the United States. To the extent these requirements impose additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.