Experienced leadership:

Ethnic Studies

Personal Stories...

Having grown up in a biracial Spanish-speaking household, Billie Joe had many unanswered questions as he navigated through school like many of our students and families in the Anaheim Union High School District. Billie Joe has spoken with many AUHSD students, families, and staff that are encouraged with the expansion of Ethnic Studies that will include diverse perspectives and representation which lower the affective filter for students and increases confidence, leading to higher graduation rates.

A history of education

and advocacy

Billie Joe Wright's first education in ethnic studies was in the real-world growing up in a biracial household. In college, Billie Joe took Chicano Studies and African-American Studies which expanded his interest in personal narratives that were not being told, examples of diverse role models that were not being discussed, and systemic issues that were untold but important to in understanding the history and government of the United States and the world.

This led Billie Joe to earn his B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration to learn more and be able to teach a well rounded curriculum centered in intersectionality.

The combination of real-world experiences, a college education, and advocacy work is what leads Billie Joe to love this country's potential so much.

We are still such a young country on a journey to realize our aspirations while we reckon with many harsh truths, empowered by great advocates and leaders!

A future of inclusive, responsive, intersectional education

Billie Joe Wright believes that all parents want our students to feel part of the school community, to feel safe in our classrooms and on our campuses, and to feel empowered to achieve academically and in life.

Billie Joe believes learning environments that teach our stories, acknowledge our challenges, and celebrate our successes while helping to show how we are more connected than we realize is what leads to healthier students, stronger communities, and empowered future leaders.

"Research shows student benefits related to ES, observes [Aldrich] Sabac, including improved attendance and grades, higher graduation rates, growth in literacy and critical thinking skills, and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations about race.

“It also brings students together,” he says, noting that ES helps foster respect for different cultures and build community and a sense of interconnectedness."

(https://www.cta.org/educator/posts/ethnic-studies-trailblazers)

You can learn more about Ethnic Studies in AUHSD and in California at the links below:

  • You can learn about all of the AUHSD History/Social Science Course offerings at this link.

    • https://coursecatalog.auhsd.us/sr_history_social_science.aspx

    • AUHSD: Cultural Experiences in America/Ethnic Studies

      • "The Cultural Experiences in America/Ethnic Studies course aims to educate students to be politically, socially, economically conscious about their personal connections to local and global histories. By studying the histories of race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture, students will cultivate respect and empathy for individuals and solidarity with groups of people locally, nationally and globally so as to foster active social engagement and community building. Through historical documents and historical interpretations (both print and film), students will be able to (1) discuss their identities, including race, ethnicity, culture and nationality, (2) describe the ways in which these categories are socially constructed and how they affect students’ lives and the lives of others, (3) participate in grassroots community organization, and (4) explain the dynamics among internalized, interpersonal, and institutional oppression and resistance. Students learn that Americans, as descendants of many cultures, races, religions, and ethnic groups are bonded by a democratic vision of liberty, equality, and justice."

    • California Department of Education (CDE) Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum