Christine Sleeter’s review, The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies, makes a compelling case for why ethnic studies matter in schools. One story that really stands out is about a student named Carlos, who found school boring and disengaging until he took Chicano studies courses. As Sleeter writes, “For the first time in his life, the curriculum was centered on his reality.” This shows how meaningful it is for students to see themselves and their communities reflected in what they are learning.
Traditional mainstream curriculums, which Sleeter calls “Euro-American Studies,” often center White perspectives and treat the histories of racial and ethnic minorities as supplemental. Even when textbooks include African American, Latino, Native American, or Asian American content, it’s often presented focusing on contributions or victimization rather than systemic issues such as racism and oppression. This approach can lead students of color to feel alienated or disengaged from school, as they rarely see their lived experiences validated in the classroom.
Ethnic studies offers a different approach. It highlights the construction of race, systemic oppression, and the struggles of communities of color, while also celebrating cultural and intellectual contributions. This kind of curriculum allows students to connect with their learning on a personal level, fostering both engagement and critical thinking.
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