When the general public hears the term critical race theory, or CRT, an intense debate often ensues. Individual states are dealing with the issue of CRT in K–12 classrooms. Tennessee is considering reforming teacher certification as a way to address the CRT debate. Many teachers, however, are concerned about the legal implications of the proposed Tennessee law. The issue of self-censorship is becoming a concern for many educators.
Legislative measures that restrict education
Tennessee’s “Prohibited Concepts in Instruction” law seeks to limit the teaching of specific racial and gender concepts in K-12 education. Supporters of the legislation believe it is essential when dealing with divisive curriculum. Detractors argue that changing the course of teaching methods impedes effective discussion. Administrators have removed some lessons on contemporary racial justice issues, significantly altering what educators can teach in the classroom.
Given the constraints, prospective teachers may reconsider their profession. “They’ll have to write a better law for it to affect anything that I do,” stated one teacher, highlighting the resistance to further restrictions. Collective opposition is growing, with educators banding together to oppose such measures that limit genuine historical education. For many, the potential chilling effect of these laws is actively resisted.
A new article by RFA’s Leana Cabral & Siettah Parks explores the impact of the anti-Critical Race Theory backlash on #K12, highlighting the resilience of Black educators who continue to implement culturally relevant and antiracist teaching practices.
🌐 https://t.co/ZDQmplPGwQ pic.twitter.com/c3fZ7zJvGA
— Research for Action (@Research4Action) October 8, 2024
Reforming Certification: A Solution?
In the midst of educational ideological battles, one proposed solution is to reform teacher certification. This approach seeks to incorporate a broader range of educational perspectives beyond traditional institutions by revising certification criteria. Critics of the current system argue that its dominance allows universities’ ideological frameworks to permeate K-12 education, resulting in curricula that reflect these views. Reform may help to reduce perceived biases and promote diverse teaching philosophies.
Secondary education is designed to reflect history and values in a basic format. Many people believe that critical race theory should be restricted to the collegiate level. Requiring secondary level curriculum to reflect fundamentals while allowing for diverse philosophies in college level courses.
Much of Critical Race Theory is making its way into the K-12 sphere through American universities. One thing states can do to help break the Left’s institutional capture over K-12 education is eliminating state based certification requirements that force would-be teachers to go… pic.twitter.com/6pmpWF4dvp
— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) October 27, 2024
Exploring the Implementation of Critical Race Theory
While some deny the presence of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in schools, evidence suggests the opposite. Teaching CRT concepts such as systemic racism and white privilege meet resistance from critics who argue these theories conflict with traditional American values. Data, including a survey by EducationWeek, reveals that 8% of teachers discuss or teach CRT, predominantly in urban school settings.
“Our curriculum is deeply using critical race theory, especially in social studies, but you’ll find it in English language arts and the other disciplines,” Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti
California’s adoption of an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, infused with CRT, mandates ethnic studies for high school graduation. Support from organizations like the National Education Association further pushes for CRT’s educational inclusion, aiming for educational equity and broader comprehension of systemic issues.
This is one of the reasons why Donald Trump has stated that he would abolish the Department of Education. Promoting divisive issues that further isolate racial integrity in a K-12 educational setting. For many, CRT represents even more intolerance of ethnic and economic identity.
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