The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies

                                             The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies

A Research Review

Christine E. Sleeter

“Beginning as early as elementary school, students have been found to respond to curricula based partly on what they learn and experience in their homes and communities.” 

Ethnic studies help students engage fully in their academics. When students learn about their own cultures and histories, they feel more comfortable and connected. They will have greater confidence and stay in school longer. This will help them build connections, do better on tests, and get better grades. 

Students felt marginalized and “angry that African American history was rarely discussed outside Black History Month and was almost always portrayed in terms of victimization.”

All students learn to understand and respect others. Ethnic studies teach students about different backgrounds and experiences. This helps them become more understanding, respectful, and open-minded toward people who are different from them. Students benefit from looking at the world through different lenses and gaining new perspectives.

“White adults generally do not recognize the extent to which traditional mainstream curricula marginalize perspectives of communities of color and teach students of color to distrust or not take school knowledge seriously.”

Ethnic studies teach real history. Instead of only hearing one side of history, ethnic studies give a fuller picture of what really happened. This helps students think more deeply and ask better 

questions. Ethnic studies bring people together. Some people think ethnic studies divide us, but the research shows the opposite. Learning about each other’s stories actually brings students closer and helps fight racism. 

In short, ethnic studies help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. They’re not just an option, they’re a powerful tool for better education.