Providence schools say they will implement ethnic studies courses

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence teachers and students organized a rally yesterday to call on the district to implement ethnic studies in Providence Schools.

A resolution passed by the school board that was passed last week calls for the creation of a yearlong ethnic studies course, which will be implemented as a social studies credit for graduation in 2026.

The resolution also requires the establishment of an Ethnic Studies Leadership Council, which helps students establish leadership roles with designing curriculum.

In a statement, Providence Public Schools Information Officer, Jay G. Wegimont said:

Providence Public School District (PPSD) is committed to integrating ethnic studies across all courses and supports introducing an updated ethnic studies elective at the high school level.  We are proud to be the first district in the state to adopt the new AP African American Studies Course as an example of next steps in our curriculum work. PPSD is enthusiastic about amplifying student involvement in curriculum development, aiming to weave ethnic studies throughout the educational experience in our district.

The Teaching and Learning Department has collaborated with student leaders, attending two listening sessions to shape this initiative. We will continue to work with these student leaders in considering revision to curricula and in development of a new ethnic studies course.

Presently, the district is in the process of implementing the new statewide graduation requirements. We plan to make the appropriate adjustments to our overall programming to ensure that students are on track to meet these new requirements.”