State mandates ethnic studies, something Rdale high schools already offer

Last year the Minnesota legislature passed a new law requiring all high schools to offer an ethnic studies course by the 2026-27 school year. 

This change is designed to broaden students' understanding of the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions that make up the fabric of both Minnesota and the broader world. For Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale), this new requirement aligns with a similar opportunity the district has been offering since 2017.

There’s optimism the new requirement will foster an increase in participation in Rdale’s existing ethnic studies class, which brings a rich, inclusive educational experience to students, according to Matt Pletcher, the district’s director of secondary curriculum and instruction and multilingual programs.

“To meet the new requirement, we’ll be building on something we already offer. The ethnic studies course here in Rdale not only enriches our students' lives, but equips them with essential skills for navigating an increasingly diverse and interconnected world,” Pletcher said. “By engaging in meaningful conversations about race, culture, and equity, our students who participate graduate with a deeper understanding of their role in building a more just society."

Timely Opportunity for Families to Learn More

Families and community members are invited to learn more about the ethnic studies course and other state-approved DEI topics at an educational forum hosted by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission of Golden Valley and the Human Rights Commission of Robbinsdale.

The event, taking place at 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 10 in the Robert H. Rohlf Room at the Ridgedale Library, will feature Robbinsdale Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Teri Staloch, Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, and Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura, co-author of the ethnic studies bill. 

Along with the other speakers, Dr. Staloch will provide insights into the importance of the ethnic studies requirement, discuss the integration of these changes into Rdale's curriculum, and answer questions from community members. This event is a vital opportunity for parents, educators, and students to understand how these legislative changes will influence education in Robbinsdale and beyond.

What Is Ethnic Studies?

The district’s ethnic studies course is available to students at Armstrong and Cooper high schools, and provides students with a deeper exploration of the histories, identities, and perspectives of different racial and ethnic groups. Through the course, students are encouraged to engage with issues such as race, culture, power, and equity in ways that foster critical thinking and empathy.

The class isn’t just an addition to the social studies curriculum; it’s designed to complement and expand students’ understanding of the world by highlighting diverse narratives. 

“In an ethnic studies class, students might explore the rich history of Indigenous peoples in Minnesota, study the impact of immigration waves on the state’s development, or delve into the civil rights movements led by African American, Latinx, and Asian American communities. Lessons like these help students see the world from multiple perspectives,” Pletcher said.

And while educators think highly of the ethnic studies class, it isn’t always available to students. While the course is available for students to sign-up for during the registration period in the winter, if there isn’t enough participation, the class can’t be offered.

“For elective courses like this one, if we don’t have enough students sign up, we can’t offer the section,” Pletcher said. “But we’re optimistic that this kind of change will be a catalyst for students to participate in greater numbers.”

How Students Benefit

Real-world benefits of ethnic studies can be meaningful. For instance, Pletcher said an Rdale student taking an ethnic studies course might investigate how different cultural traditions influence the daily lives of their peers. This could be through projects that highlight diverse family histories or guest speakers from different ethnic communities.

“Research shows that students who participate in ethnic studies programs are more engaged in school and perform better academically, especially students from marginalized communities,” Pletcher said. “This course will create space for students to see their own stories reflected in the curriculum while giving others the tools to understand and appreciate the complexity of our shared society.”