93% of students in Tucson's Mexican-American Studies program graduated, despite state lawmakers' efforts to ban the program.
Synopsis
93% of students in Tucson's Mexican-American Studies program graduated, despite state lawmakers' efforts to ban the program.
Go deeperSynopsis
Curtis Acosta teaches a Mexican-American Studies class at Tucson Magnet High School. Students in the program face legislative efforts to ban the curriculum, deemed "anti-American" by former Arizona Department of Education Superintendent Tom Horne. The documentary follows Acosta and his students as they challenge the ban in federal court. The Mexican-American Studies Program, created in 1997, aimed to improve Latino student success and reported a graduation rate of 93%.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See the impact of the MAS Program on Latino students.
- Meet teachers like Curtis Acosta advocating for ethnic studies.
- Find out about the legal battle against the program's ban.
Did You Know
- The MAS Program was created in 1997 to lower the Latino dropout rate.
- In 2011, the film won Audience Favorite and Special Jury Awards at the San Diego Latino Film Festival.
- Tucson Unified School District reported a 93% graduation rate for MAS students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the Mexican-American Studies Program in Tucson?
The Mexican-American Studies Program was ultimately removed from the Tucson Unified School District after legislative backlash.
What awards did Precious Knowledge win?
In 2011, Precious Knowledge won Audience Favorite and Special Jury Awards at the San Diego Latino Film Festival and an Honorable Mention in the Best Documentary category at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.
When did Precious Knowledge premiere?
Precious Knowledge premiered on March 19, 2011, at the San Diego Latino Film Festival.
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