As we dive deeper into the fall season of gratitude, AAPASD is honoring those who have made a remarkable impact on the educational journeys of students and TPHS. Following the success of last year’s Education Excellence Award at CCA, AAPASD is thrilled to announce that TPHS will be the focus of the 2024-25 school year’s accolades.

We invite all students and TPHS alumni to participate in the nomination process, which is vital to recognizing the incredible dedication and expertise of our teachers and educators who have nurtured the growth and curiosity of students in our community. By nominating a teacher, not only do you show your appreciation and celebrate their contributions to society, but you are also entered into AAPASD’s weekly raffle for a chance to win a gift card to OMOMO or Starbucks.

To submit a nomination, please use the link provided below. AAPASD looks forward to your participation in acknowledging the remarkable contributions of TPHS educators! https://forms.gle/3RD1rRw7gpXVDyi48
        To support AAPASD's effort to award education excellence, please donate to us with note "Education Excellence": https://www.aapasd.org/donate 

The Asian American Parent Alliance of San Diego (AAPASD) is advocating for the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) Board to postpone its vote on the Unit One Ethnic Studies curriculum due to several critical concerns. Some reasons include concerns about a flawed review process, insufficient transparency, and limited community input. AAPASD argues that the proposed instructional materials need to be completed, controversial, and comply with Board Policy 6144 on Controversial Issues, which mandates that teaching on contentious subjects be conducted without bias, with age-appropriate content, and factual information.

To begin, ethnic studies programs have gained momentum in educational institutions across the country. Proponents argue that these programs foster inclusivity and appreciation for multiculturalism. However, others worry about the potential for ideological bias, the depth of content, and its appropriateness for younger students, particularly ninth graders who may still need to gain the historical background necessary to learn it.

Furthermore, AAPASD highlights the poor communication and rushed timeline, which only gave parents and stakeholders three to four business days to review extensive curriculum content, limiting meaningful feedback. They call for an extension of the review period to allow more time for the community to assess the materials fully.

In addition, the Parent Alliance also questions the decision to implement the curriculum in ninth-grade English, both regular and honors, expressing concerns that this could displace key literature in favor of less rigorous, age-inappropriate materials. Attached below is a full, detailed overview of the ES curriculum’s units and materials alongside a list of AAPASD’s critiques and suggestions. The lessons raise questions about educational priorities and the necessity of a well-rounded literacy foundation before delving into complex ethnic studies topics.

Overall, AAPASD calls for the District Board to delay the vote to ensure full compliance with district policies and proper consideration of these issues.

Read the full letter here!