Description

Overview
The Identity Affirming Survey Course introduces middle and high school students to the core ideas of Ethnic Studies through identity, activism, and community. Across ten flexible lessons, students explore culture as medicine, examine counter-narratives, and connect social movements to their own lived experiences.

Rooted in WAESN’s Five Framework Themes—Origins & Indigeneity, Identity & Agency, Action & Reflection, Power & Oppression, and Resistance & Liberation—this unit helps teachers center historically marginalized voices while fostering pride, critical thinking, and solidarity.

Teachers will love this unit because it:

• Aligns with WA State K–12 Social Studies and C3 Framework Standards

• Builds understanding of activism, heritage, and intersectional identity

• Encourages students to analyze media, art, and movements from multiple perspectives

• Includes ready-to-use teacher slides, worksheets, and art-based activities

• Integrates social-emotional learning and community-building practices

Unit Structure
Ten lessons explore:

• Latinx Heritage and Representation

• Indigeneity and Environmental Justice

• Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation

• The Radical Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Black Lives Matter at School Principles

• Counter-narratives in Civil Rights and Queer Organizing

• Environmental and AANHPI Activism

• Pride and Juneteenth

Format & Duration

• 10 lessons (adaptable for advisory, ELA, or social studies)

• 50–100 minutes per lesson

• Designed for Grades 6–12

What’s Included

• Complete lesson plans with teacher slides

• Printable student worksheets and commitment cards (English/Spanish)

• Art-based reflection activities

• Standards alignment and vocabulary lists

Developed by MLL educators Elisa M. Yzaguirre and Andrea Chorney with support from College Spark Washington and WAESN’s curriculum team, this unit helps educators transform advisory or social studies into a space for healing, empowerment, and justice.