CA AB2918

Requires school districts and charter schools to develop ethnic studies courses and instructional materials in conjunction with certificated teachers, classified staff, parents, guardians, and community organizations, with a majority of stakeholders being classroom teachers in history-social science.

Mandates that ethnic studies curriculum must be appropriate for all students, not reflect or promote bias or discrimination, not teach religious doctrine, foster respect and acceptance, and focus on experiences of communities in the United States.

Requires district superintendents and school governing boards to submit signed certifications to the state that proposed, adopted, or revised ethnic studies courses comply with all legal requirements before implementation.

Allows school districts and charter schools to pilot ethnic studies courses consistent with state board guidelines for instructional materials adoption and requires public notice and at least one public meeting before course adoption or revision.

Exempts previously adopted ethnic studies courses from development requirements, but requires the development process to apply to course revisions and new course additions, with reimbursement for state-mandated costs through existing procedures.