11 Toward a New Future: An Oral History Study Examining K-12 Ethnic Studies Education in Utah

Abstract

In May of 2022 Utah passed bill SB244 stating the requirement of Ethnic Studies education in K-12 institutions. Because of this, in the spring of 2023 we conducted a series of oral history interviews with a current student, an alumna, and two high school Ethnic Studies teachers to investigate the impact it K-12 Ethnic Studies has in Utah. With this mix we were able to capture a broader range of experiences. Prior to this study, when looking into K-12 Ethnic Studies research conducted in Utah, there was nothing to be found. The goal of this research was to fill that gap and find out the importance of K-12 Ethnic Studies education in Utah by highlighting the voices of those with firsthand experience through collecting their oral histories, in hopes of bringing to light how Ethnic Studies can/will be beneficial to Utah public education. This research was fueled by 2 questions. (1) How has K-12 Ethnic Studies education impacted people with firsthand experience in Utah thus far, and (2) How will bill SB244 be beneficial to the Utah state public education system? These 2 questions paired with the bolstering of student and teacher voices has molded this research. The findings suggest that the participants in this study had a positive and world expanding experience with K-12 Ethnic Studies in Utah. Specifically, K-12 Ethnic Studies has helped participants expand relationships, empathy, and solidarity. As well as, help expand self-reflection and appreciation, cultural value, and critical thinking, discussion, and examination skills. The findings show, if done correctly, SB244 could be very beneficial to Utah public education.

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