Critical
Race
Theory
A Theory Among Theories
Educators learn about several theories of teaching over the course of their careers. Some theories are taught at universities, others during regular teacher professional development, and others from good 'ol experience.
Teachers use elements from various theories to inform and improve their respective crafts. Some common theories relative to education are:
Transformational Leadership Theory
Holocratic Theory
Cognitive Learning Theory
Systems Theory
Transactional Leadership Theory
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Bloom's Taxonomy
and yes
Critical Race Theory
Educators learn about these theories to become better educators.
CONSIDER THIS
Using proximity and constantly circulating the classroom is an example of Classroom Management Theory. Teachers incorporate it into their instruction. But they don't announce, "I'm circulating the room to use proximity to prevent unwanted behaviors, students." Likewise, students wouldn't be doing assignments or taking notes on these theories. Advanced high school courses could be an exception.
What Is It?
Critical Race Theory in education:
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Racism in education is evident (Ex: School disciplinary outcomes are not equitable across races.)
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Simply being white provides value (Ex: Home appraisals are much higher when the appraiser believes the house is owned by a white person.)
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Minorities gain rights only when it benefits the majority (Ex: Companies promoting Black Lives Matter benefit from increased product sales.)
What Does The Theory Suggest?
Counter stories are imperative.
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Seeking the perspectives of people from a variety of backgrounds can add context and insight to any past or current situation.
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Perspectives of any marginalized group--that is, any group whose perspective is left out--can be insightful.
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Intersectionality is when someone experiences life within at least two minority groups. They have unique perspectives worth considering.
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So Why Is Critical Race Theory All Of A Sudden In Education?
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Simple. It's always been here.
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Here are actual state standards for the Missouri curriculum from dese.mo.gov:
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"Explain connections between historical context and peoples’ perspectives at the time in American history." (Middle School U.S. History)
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"Research stories and songs that reflect the cultural history of the early United States prior to 1800 and from 1800-2000." (Elementary Social Studies)
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"Seek to understand other perspectives and cultures and communicate effectively with audiences or individuals from varied backgrounds." (7th Grade English)
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Look, the phrase "Critical Race Theory" is terrible. It sounds like the point is to criticize the white race. I disagree with individuals who choose to use the theory for that purpose.
While counter stories of black individuals is crucial, it's not just about race.
The tenet of intersectionality makes that clear.
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It's about valuing and considering the perspectives of ALL groups when analyzing data and making decisions. Usually, that means seeking out the insights of under-represented groups.
The tenet of counter story-telling is not new; it's been imbedded into the Missouri Learning Standards that we've been using for decades.
Shaun Bryant