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.
Unit: Ethnic Studies Identity Affirming Survey
