Sacramento Schools To Introduce African American Studies Curriculum By 2027

Sacramento City Unified School District is advancing its plans to introduce an African American studies program, targeting a rollout by the 2027-28 academic year. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to broaden culturally relevant educational offerings.Following a pivotal school board decision in February 2024, the district will establish both advanced placement African studies and African American studies courses. Ashley Alexander, the director overseeing professional learning and humanities, emphasized the district's commitment to equity and inclusive education. The Black Student Landscape Analysis, conducted by the Sacramento County Office of Education, underscored systemic inequities and the necessity for courses that resonate with and affirm Black students' experiences. The forthcoming curriculum aims to bridge identified cultural divides, ensuring the acknowledgment of Black history as integral to America’s narrative.With community involvement, the district is poised to submit the curriculum for state review, launching a pilot program at select high schools next year, enriching students' understanding of African American history and contributions.