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El Paso Educators Rally to Preserve Mexican American Studies Amid Curriculum Cuts

El Paso Matters•Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM•Claudia Lorena Silva

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AI Summary

In El Paso, history teachers are advocating for the continuation of Mexican American studies (MAS) classes, which are facing reductions in availability. Currently, only five schools in the area offer MAS, down from eight, following the cancellation of the program at Coronado High School due to low enrollment. Educators like Karina Echavarri emphasize the importance of MAS in teaching students about their heritage and history, including critical events often overlooked in standard curricula. With new legislation potentially impacting discussions around diversity in education, teachers fear that students may lose the opportunity to engage deeply with their cultural history. The State Board of Education is set to revise social studies standards in summer 2025, raising concerns about the representation of diverse histories.

Key Details: • Only five schools in El Paso currently offer Mexican American studies classes. • Coronado High School's MAS program was canceled due to low enrollment. • The State Board of Education will revise social studies standards in summer 2025.

el-paso education diversity curriculum mexican-american-studies

People & Organizations

El Paso Independent School DistrictGustavo RevelesMontwood High SchoolCoronado High SchoolState Board of EducationFranklin High SchoolSocorro High SchoolBowie High SchoolKaren JimenezLeo ArrataKarina EchavarriRuben SandovalAmanda BrownJefferson/Silva High Schools

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