Exploring the Two CRTs: Critical Race Theory and Culturally Responsive Teaching

Currently in the United States, there is a national debate about what CRT means and how it is taught in schools. These debates are being used by politicians and media outlets to influence public opinion and in some cases may have a real impact on state and local legislation around education and in upcoming elections. But what does “CRT” actually mean? In this class, we will demystify the two concepts that this acronym refers to: Critical Race Theory and Culturally Responsive Teaching. We will begin by unpacking the difference between Critical Race Theory as defined by legal scholars like Kimberle Crenshaw and Derrick Bell. We will then transition to looking at Culturally Responsive and relevant teaching as discussed by education scholars like Gloria Ladson Billings, William Tate, and Django Parris. What are the distinguishing features between the two ideas? Are there ideas of Critical Race Theory in Culturally Responsive Teaching? Are there ways that Critical Race Theory is applied more broadly in education? We will also spend time looking at examples of Culturally Responsive Teaching in schools and in popular culture through films such as Abbott Elementary, Mr. Holland's Opus, Precious , and Stand and Deliver . By the end of the course, students will not only be able to understand and discuss CRT, they will also gain insight into how teachers today are creating culturally relevant learning experiences in the classroom. Questions? Contact us at The Center for Applied Liberal Arts (CALA). Email sps.cala@nyu.edu or call 212-998-7289.
 

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