Nearly 500 people gathered in Long Beach on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 for the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum Conference, which included a session where survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime shared firsthand accounts. 
Keynote speaker Dr. Chinary Ung, a renowned Cambodian American composer and professor emeritus at UC San Diego, shares his insights during the conference. 
Presenters Richer San, Sithea San and Mariko Kahn lead the session “The Joy and Agony of Creating Cambodia Town” on Friday, Nov. 15. 
Educators and community members collaborate during a breakout session, exploring ways to implement the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum in their schools. 
Conference attendees observe a cultural presentation highlighting traditional Cambodian music and dance, celebrating the rich heritage of the Cambodian American community. 
Exhibitors from 12 community partners, including the Southeast Asian Archive at the University of California, Irvine, showcased resources and support for the curriculum during the conference. 
The conference concluded on Saturday, Nov. 16, with a panel in which students shared their perspectives on the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum and its importance in promoting cultural understanding and representation.
Nearly 500 teachers, educational leaders and community members gathered in Long Beach on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 for a two-day conference introducing the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum.
Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education, the event highlighted a resource created to deepen understanding of Cambodian American history, culture and contributions while aligning with state education standards.
Developed in response to California’s Education Finance Bill AB 167, the curriculum provides K-12 educators with lesson plans, primary sources and strategies to support multilingual learners and students with special needs. The bill called for inclusive and culturally responsive teaching materials, leading to the creation of the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum in collaboration with scholars, community members and the California Department of Education.
“Being part of the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum Conference was truly special,” said Dr. Jonathan Swanson, OCDE’s director of curriculum, instruction and academic achievement. “The firsthand accounts shared by presenters were impactful and showed how important it is to preserve and share these stories — not just for those telling them, but for future generations.”
Held at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel, just minutes from Cambodia Town — the largest Cambodian community outside Cambodia — the conference featured keynote speeches, survivor panels and workshops exploring themes of resilience, identity and creative expression.
A handful of key community partners who assisted OCDE in developing the curriculum welcomed guests on Friday, Nov. 15. Among them was Dr. Suely Saro, the first Cambodian American to serve as a Long Beach city council member. Born in a refugee camp to parents who survived the Cambodian genocide, Dr. Saro shared her perspective and support for the initiative.
“Representation matters,” Dr. Saro said. “This model serves as an example of how curriculums can be developed in partnership with the community to honor diverse narratives. We want to send a deep thank you to the Orange County Department of Education for spearheading this initiative.”
Educators from across California, representing districts such as Long Beach, San Diego, Irvine, Capistrano and Pasadena unified, attended the event to learn how to bring these stories and lessons into their classrooms.
“I came with an open mind like a sponge to absorb knowledge I can bring back to my students,” said Irad Orduna, a teacher from the Pasadena Unified School District.
The Long Beach conference is part of a series of events continuing through 2026. The Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum, along with its companion resources, can be accessed for free through UC Davis’s California Model Curricula platform.
“The sessions were well-received,” Dr. Swanson said. “It is clear that our community partners and those who were part of the writing process have poured so much into this work. We hope the conference and model curriculum honor their contributions and help keep their stories alive.”
Educators seeking additional details about the curriculum can visit the OCDE Model Curriculum webpage or contact ModelCurriculumInfo@ocde.us.