Initiated by state legislation, OCDE is currently immersed in an initiative to enhance students’ learning experiences through the development of the Southeast Asian Model Curriculum Project. As part of the department’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, the community is invited to participate in public engagement sessions.
The next one is scheduled to run from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance for the event, which will be held at the Vietnamese Heritage Museum in Garden Grove.
The Orange County Department of Education is collaborating with various community organizations to continue to host several interactive sessions through February, designed to elicit feedback from the public. These sessions, which began in the fall, provide a platform for open dialogue, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with Orange County’s diverse student needs.
In 2022, the California Department of Education selected OCDE to lead the development of three model curriculum projects centering on the Cambodian, Hmong and Vietnamese American histories, culture and refugee experiences. The projects’ names are Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum, Hmong History and Cultural Studies Model Curriculum, and Vietnamese American Experiences Model Curriculum.
As the engagement sessions unfold, participants have the unique opportunity to share their insights, ensuring that the drafted lessons resonate authentically with their experiences. With sessions continuing through February, there is still time for interested individuals and groups to register and actively contribute to shaping the curriculum.
The culmination of these sessions in February marks a crucial juncture for OCDE. Armed with community feedback, they will proceed to edit and revise the curricula, aiming for a revised version by spring 2024.
Stay informed about session dates and registration details by visiting OCDE’s Model Curriculum Projects webpage.