Ethnic studies includes units of study, courses, or programs that are centered on the knowledge and perspectives of an ethnic or racial group, reflecting narratives and points of view rooted in that group's lived experiences and intellectual scholarship. Supporters say ethnic studies promotes respect and understanding among races, supports student success, and teaches critical thinking skills. Critics, however, increasingly question the relevance of ethnic studies education programs in the post-integration era. The evolution of ethnic studies has sparked its share of controversy. The National Education Association (NEA) commissioned a review of the research on ethnic studies programs and curricula--specifically the ways in which such programs and curricula serve to improve student achievement and narrow achievement gaps--to inform the discourse on this issue. This paper provides a research base for discussing best practices for designing and implementing ethnic studies programs and curricula that meet those targets. The hope is that this review will be useful for revisiting ideas and generating new thoughts about the relationship between ethnic studies and student achievement. A bibliography is included. (Contains 3 footnotes.)