The TUSD Governing Board will consider this week whether to make some ethnic studies courses electives. Here is how ethnic studies courses fit into current graduation requirements:
Q: What courses do students need to graduate from high school?
A: To earn a high school diploma in Arizona, students must complete four units of English, three units of math, two units of science, three units of social studies, one unit of fine arts or career and technical education, half a unit of health, one unit of physical education and 6 1/2 units in electives.
Q: What if the student wants to attend a university?
A: An additional unit of math and an additional unit of science are needed. Two units of a world language also are required.
Q: How do ethnic studies courses fit into graduation requirements?
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A: The African American Studies and Native American Studies departments do not offer any classes. They primarily serve in a support role to students, personnel and parents.
TUSD does, however, offer African American and Native American literature courses that satisfy the English requirement.
The Asian Pacific American Studies department offers Chinese, Russian and Arabic classes. Students taking any of these courses earn world language credit.
The Mexican American Studies department has the most course offerings under the ethnic studies umbrella. Two classes - American History/Mexican American Perspectives and American Government/Social Justice Education Project - satisfy social studies requirements, and one course - Latino literature - meets the English requirement. There are also Chicano Art classes that are counted for fine arts credit.
Q: Are students required to take an ethnic studies course to graduate?
A: No.
Q: What would happen if the TUSD Governing Board adopted a resolution to make the Mexican American Studies social studies courses electives next year?
A: If students took one of the two social studies courses offered, it would have to be on top of the three required social studies units. However, each class would satisfy one of their 6 1/2 elective credits.
Q: What is the cost of running the ethnic studies programs?
A: In terms of personnel and benefits, TUSD spends $2.2 million per year. An additional $118,000 is spent on student-enrichment opportunities, special events for students and parents, professional development for teachers, instructional materials, local travel and other expenses.
IF YOU GO
The TUSD board meeting was rescheduled to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at TUSD Headquarters, 1010 E. 10th Street.
On the agenda will be a proposal to change some ethnic studies courses to electives.
The TUSD boardroom and lobby can hold a total of 185 people. That capacity will be enforced. Speakers will be placed outside for the overflow crowd.
More than a dozen TUSD school safety employees - some of whom will be armed - will be on hand along with four to six on-duty police officers. School safety personnel work for TUSD, but those on overtime earn $28 an hour.
Anyone attending the meeting Tuesday will be searched, purses will be checked and backpacks will not be allowed. Metal-detector wands may be used.
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@azstarnet.com or 573-4175.
