Critical Race Theory Analysis

A. According to Ladson-Billings (2004), the Critical Race Theory (CRT) “argues against the slow pace of racial reform in the United States begins with the notion that racism is normal in American society” (p.7). This theory argues that Whites have been the primary beneficiaries of civil rights legislation and this has resulted in school inequity (has affected the daily experiences of students of color). Adopting CRT as a framework for educational equity will result in talking about, exposing, and proposing solutions for the reoccurring problems of race, racism, and social injustice in schools and classrooms. The many History courses I have through my academic career have embedded the idea that ALL students, no matter their language, color,

Due to the fact that the curriculum, instruction, assessment, school funding, and desegregation aren’t made for ALL students to succeed we as educators must use what we know about our students, education, and history to inform our teaching. It is important to use the experiences and culture of our students (getting to know them) to make our instruction more relatable. In classrooms students shouldn’t feel like their stories aren’t heard. Educators must construct a positive classroom environment so that students will feel comfortable being themselves and taking risks with their language (ELL) which includes ALL students not just one population. This might mean making changes or adding to the existing curriculum. It is also important that educators keep in mind the biases against children of color and ELL and modify the curriculum as they see fit to engage and make sure that they are doing everything they can to make that student

The following are ways for me to utilize CRT in facilitating cultural and racial equity in my classroom:

- Allow students to communicate in their language (L1) because it demonstrates the acceptance of their culture and identity. I have seen many educators deny their students of this right and I made sure in my current classroom to allow students to communicate in the language that they are most comfortable with. It is important for ELL students to use both languages because they may know a word in their L1 that they don’t know in their L2.

- Make sure that bulletin boards, displays, materials, and other visuals in the classroom reflect the racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds of the students. Similarly, it is essential for students to use their real-life experience to connect school learning to students’ lives. According to Brown (1999), “if minority students are to enjoy the benefits that should accrue from schooling, their culture must figure prominently in the process”