Critical Race Theory
Education news, analysis, and opinion about the roiling debate over, and the politicization of, the term "critical race theory" and what that means for schools
What Is Critical Race Theory, and Why Is It Under Attack?
Here's what you need to understand about the academic concept—and how it's portrayed in political circles.
Equity & Diversity
Q&A
What Should Culturally Relevant Teaching Look Like Today? Gloria Ladson-Billings Explains
"The attack on anything that allows more participation and moves us toward equity is going full force," the scholar said.
Teaching
Explainer
What Is Culturally Responsive Teaching?
Here's what it means to be a culturally responsive teacher and where critical race theory ties in—or not.
School & District Management
Opinion
The Anti-Racist Counternarrative Public Education Needs Now
In the face of a national movement to discredit public education, educators must respond with our own movement prioritizing anti-racism.
Curriculum
College Board Warns Against Censoring Its AP Courses
The organization that runs AP courses reminds teachers of its principles, as more states pass anti-critical race theory laws.
Curriculum
Opinion
Do Parents Want Schools to Be Able to Teach About Racism?
A poll helped us understand parents' views on whether schools should be allowed to teach about racism, write two education policy experts.
Equity & Diversity
Efforts to Ban Critical Race Theory Could Restrict Teaching for a Third of America's Kids
Teachers are refusing to talk about anything race-related and administrators of color are being harassed, according to a new study.
Equity & Diversity
From Our Research Center
Do Educators Think Critical Race Theory Should Be Taught in Class? We Asked
An EdWeek poll shows educators are split over whether children should be taught that racism is systemic and embedded in American policies.
Social Studies
Revising America's Racist Past
How the 'critical race theory' debate is crashing headlong into efforts to update social studies standards.
School & District Management
Critical Race Theory Fights Have Made Life Miserable for School Board Candidates
Discussing the divisive issue in a way that works with voters is no easy task. Just ask those who've tried it, with mixed results.
Student Well-Being
Schools Face Fears of 'Critical Race Theory' as They Scale Up Social-Emotional Learning
This is a pivotal moment for social-emotional learning as K-12 schools expand programs but experience political pushback in some places.
Curriculum
Opinion
Media Coverage of Critical Race Theory Misses the Mark
News accounts of critical race theory focus on topics that are not particularly controversial, while neglecting those that are.
Curriculum
A 'War on Books': Conservatives Push for Audits of School Libraries
After Texas banned critical race theory in schools, battles grew heated in the conservative suburbs surrounding the state's largest cities.
Law & Courts
How Critical Race Theory Made an Appearance in Abortion Case Before the U.S. Supreme Court
Some fear the Texas abortion law that relies on private enforcement could prompt similar measures for race discussions at school.
Law & Courts
Critical Race Theory Law Violates Teachers' Free Speech, ACLU Argues in New Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges Oklahoma's law harms students of color and weakens what all students learn about the state's history.