• Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum 

• History Social Science Framework

• Language Arts Framework

COURSE OFFERINGS
Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, select high schools will be offering the optional courses below. Please note that course availability varies by campus. For more information on each course, please click on the title for a complete description. 

• Ethnic Studies: Our Local History  (1 semester / Grades 9 - 12): This A–G approved Ethnic Studies course invites students to explore American history and culture through the diverse experiences and contributions of both local and national communities. With a special focus on the Inland Empire—including Corona, Norco, Eastvale, and Riverside—students will engage in critical thinking, research, and dialogue while building academic skills and civic awareness. A culminating project connects classroom learning to real-world issues, encouraging meaningful reflection and community engagement.

• Ethnic Studies (1 semester / Grades 9 - 12): This one-semester Ethnic Studies course invites students to explore the cultural histories, identities, and experiences that have shaped American society. Through topics like local history, civic participation, and community, students will build critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of how diverse groups have influenced the nation's development. The course emphasizes respectful dialogue, historical analysis, and active citizenship to foster informed, engaged members of the community.

•  United States History: Ethnic Studies (2 semesters / Grade 11): This year-long course examines major events in U.S. history through the diverse perspectives of cultural groups that have shaped the nation. Aligned with the California History–Social Science Framework, the course emphasizes democratic ideals, civic responsibility, and the importance of inclusive narratives. Students will strengthen their historical thinking through source analysis, discussion, and research-based writing, while engaging in hands-on learning through projects, case studies, and local history. The course concludes with a capstone project.

• Honors United States History: Ethnic Studies  (2 semesters / Grade 11): This year-long honors course invites students to explore key moments in American history through diverse cultural and civic lenses. Integrating the California History–Social Science Framework with themes from the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, the course emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry, and real-world engagement. Students will analyze historical sources, participate in thoughtful dialogue, and connect the past to present-day civic issues. With a strong focus on identity, heritage, and community, the course culminates in a student-led project.

•  Grade Language Arts 2: Ethnic Studies (2 semesters/ Grade 10): Ethnic Studies LA 2 is a yearlong 10th-grade English course that explores identity, power, and social change through diverse stories and voices. Blending literature with real-world issues, students engage in creative projects and meaningful discussions that connect learning to their lives and communities. The course encourages reflection, empathy, and active participation in shaping a more just and inclusive world.

•  Honors Grade Language Arts 2: Ethnic Studies Literature (2 semesters/ Grade 10): An honors-level, yearlong English course for 10th grade that blends the study of literature with themes of identity, power, and social justice. Through diverse texts and perspectives, students engage in critical thinking, meaningful dialogue, and real-world projects such as podcasts, campus campaigns, and counternarratives. The course encourages inquiry, personal reflection, and civic engagement, empowering students to better understand themselves and their communities while developing strong academic and communication skills.

• Ethnic Studies: Edgenuity (1 semester / Grades 9 - 12):  In this one-semester course, students will explore five key themes: (1) Identity, (2) Race and Ethnicity in the United States, (3) History and Movement, (4) Systems of Power, and (5) Social Movements and Equity. Through a series of videos, texts, interactive lessons, case studies, and projects, students will critically examine the diverse cultural histories, social dynamics, and critical perspectives that shape the United States. From examining the experiences of diverse ethnic groups, to deconstructing systems of power that perpetuate inequality, the course encourages critical analysis and empathy. 

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
The Corona-Norco Unified School Board aims to establish a research-based curriculum aligned with district goals, state standards, and legal requirements. Our detailed process involves educators, administrators, and community members in the selection and evaluation of instructional materials. The process includes regular curriculum review cycles to ensure continued alignment with evolving standards and changing student needs. Curriculum committees are established to analyze effectiveness, assess costs, and consider the applicability to diverse learners. The ultimate goal is to implement a high-quality curriculum that promotes student achievement and prepares students for success.

The Corona-Norco Unified School Board has approved all Ethnic Studies courses to be included as high school course offerings for the 2025-26 school year. Students enrolled in Ethnic Studies courses have voluntarily selected to be enrolled in the course.  

CURRICULUM TRAINING
Beginning in August 2024, the District began the process of curriculum development based on the CDE’s Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. Content area teachers worked with Educational Services staff to develop curriculum for each course being piloted during the 2025-26 school year. The curriculum guides developed by trained teachers ensure the components of the CDE’s Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum are embedded into the content area curriculum and learning standards.

All teachers selected to teach Ethnic Studies courses in the Corona-Norco Unified School District participated in comprehensive foundational training in Ethnic Studies principles, planning and implementing model curriculum activities, and facilitating effective student classroom learning activities.