Task Force: Critical Race Theory in Schools

Congratulations!

Your online campaign, #CRTForYou&Me has gone viral and the Board of Education is asking you to redesign the school curriculum to include topics and lessons on Critical Race Theory.

Why Are We Doing This?

Critical Race Theory is an academic concept that acknowledges how race is a social construct and racism is not simply caused by individual biases and prejudice, but rather something that is perpetuated by legal systems and policies. Right now, some state representatives are fighting to have the concept be avoided in the school curriculum, while others are stressing its importance in the education system. Here, we ask you to try and design a school system that focuses on adapting CRT into the material while convincing critics of its growing necessity. 

Steps:

1. Research information about Critical Race Theory and various underrepresented topics in the current education system regarding it. Research why some people are opposed to it and why others support its implementation.
2. Then, try to come up with ideas on what a redesigned curriculum focusing on CRT would look like.
   1. What are some flaws in how the current education system teaches about race and racism?
   2. What did you learn about pertaining to this topic in schools? Do you believe your school district did a sufficient job covering important topics and ideas related to CRT?
      1. What do you feel was missing from the curriculum?
   3. What are 3-5 current issues/historical events you wished were covered differently? How so?
   4. How will you convince critics of CRT of its importance in a school environment?
3. Think through the possible objections that someone could have about your redesigned curriculum and how you would answer them.
4. Share with the group and see if you can convince them that your redesigned curriculum adapts CRT more effectively than past education systems. 

Things to Keep in Mind:

• You don’t have to worry about answering all possible objections, but you should have some defense of why you think your reasons are more important.
• Your plan should include ideas that could realistically be implemented.