Precious Knowledge

The narrative spans the late 1990s through the early 2010s, tracking shifts in policy, politics, and schooling in Arizona. It begins with a 1997 district decision to create a Hispanic Studies Department and culminates with the HB 2281 era and the eventual cancellation of MAS in the district. This period saw a heated clash between inclusive education and political backlash, influencing classrooms and communities alike.

Tucson, Arizona serves as the setting where the MAS debate unfolds, centered in a diverse urban school district. The city’s history and community activism frame the classroom battles and policy clashes surrounding ethnic studies. The story follows teachers, students, and rallies that reflect Tucson’s role in national conversations about representation and education.

🎓 Education

The film centers on education as a vehicle for critical thinking and identity exploration. MAS is presented as more than curriculum; it's a framework for students to connect personal experience with history and social justice. Teachers guide students to articulate their purposes, evaluate sources, and become informed agents for their communities.

🧭 Identity

Identity and heritage are foregrounded as students learn about their own history and representation in the broader American story. The program invites reflection on who is included in the curriculum and why. The classroom becomes a space to reconcile past injustices with present responsibilities.

⚖️ Policy & Activism

The documentary dramatizes the political battles over ethnic studies, from SB1108 and SB1069 to HB2281 and beyond. It shows students, teachers, and community members engaging in protests, legislative hearings, and rallies to defend or repeal policies. The arc demonstrates how education policy can sharpen civic engagement and drive social change.