California State Curriculum Commission Papers

The Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission, previously known as the California State Curriculum Commission and commonly known as the Curriculum Commission (CC), advises the California State Board of Education (SBE) on issues pertaining to programs of study and choice of instructional materials for California schools. Members are appointed by the state board or by a member of state government, such as the governor, a senator, or an assembly member, and the term of appointment is limited. Members include teachers, retirees, principals, and directors of educational based organizations. There are fifteen members on the Curriculum Commission as of January 2009.

Curriculum Commission members meet quarterly to discuss such agenda items as bids and proposals for textbooks, textbook adoption dates, budget concerns, distribution of textbooks to students, and textbook content. Members also form committees to complete assignments pertaining to the choice of instructional materials for a specific subject matter, such as Mathematics or Visual and Performing Arts. Committees work to uphold standards and guidelines pertaining to curriculum and learning materials as dictated by the commission in their yearly goals.

The Curriculum Commission reviews proposed textbooks for content. Prior to the 1960’s, grade school textbooks lacked concrete portrayals of the historical experience of minority citizens in the United States. The 1960’s were an era of transition in which educators and publishers strived to create learning materials that reflected the historical experience of all citizens.

In 1965, “Land of the Free” was submitted by Franklin Publications, Inc. as a proposed history textbook for use in eighth grade classes throughout California. Written by three professors, John Walton Caughey, John Hope Franklin, and Ernest R. May, the textbook was admonished by some, such as the then Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Max Rafferty, and praised by others. The content of the textbook brought about discussion about how the depiction of African American people and their history in the United States should be characterized in grade school textbooks. The book was also accused of being a form of “propaganda” and having communist leanings at a time of great changes in the education of California students. It was eventually adopted as an approved textbook for California schools.