Critical Theory By: Gracie Temple

What is the critical theory? “A complex set of working assumptions about society, education and schooling that question and analyze educational aims, instructions, curriculum, and relationships in order to raise consciousness and bring about transformative change in society and education.” (Gutek 309) What does that mean? Critical Theory develops questions and assumptions about: Society, Economics and Education (curriculum, instruction, relationships) These questions seek to find areas where improvement and change can happen

What is critical theory cont. The term Critical, Gutek states refers to a rigorous, intellectual and probing method of asking questions and investigating the power relationships within societies and education systems in order to bring about change, reform, as well as fairness and justice (309). This change is desired because Critical Theorists believe people have the right to be Self-determined Empowered Independent Free from control

3 ways to understand the Critical Theorists approach 1. understand the theoretical guiding principles Higher socioeconomic classes control social political, economic, and educational systems This drives Critical Theorists to implement change The higher groups/classes/statuses always stay high The lower (minority) groups/classes/statuses never can climb the ladder up. (Without change)

3 ways to understand the Critical Theorists approach 2. Understand the critiques of existing institutions Critiques = asking systems probing questions I.E. How are educational resources allocated and who benefits from them? Critiques are taken seriously both at the macro and micro level of historical, economic, social conditions of a society. Answers to probing questions are sought by examining schools and understanding their theoretical assumptions to education

3 ways to understand the Critical Theorists approach 3. Understanding the agenda for change Empowering students to be active “changers” Empowering students, empowers a generation and ultimately a society from the bottom up.

Influences of Critical Theory Philosophies (2) 1.Postmodernism 2. Existentialism Idealologies (2) 1. Marxism 2. Liberation Pedagogy Critical Theory

Philosophies Critical Theory has been formed from two major theories: 1. Postmodernism -Claim for universal validity -Desire to see unity and equality 2. Existentialism -Freedom of choice/freedom to change -Seeks to probe and examine critical situations Critical Theory

Ideologies Critical Theory also was derived from two different ideologies. 1. Marxism -Concepts of economics, social change, class struggle, and alienation -Concepts of history -Belief that schools are strongly influences by (powerful) economic forces 2. Liberation Pedagogy -Influenced by the writings of Paulo Freire -Raising consciousness about economic and social conditions -Encouragement for self-empowerment Critical Theory

Educational theory What’s the goal? Equality for all people in schools Raise consciousness in schools of those in subordinate positions in society due to racial, ethnic, language, class, or gender group Implement change in schools School should be a welcoming place that practices equality Empowering teachers and students

Schools today Today, Crescent Heights Language Arts/Social Justice Magnet School located in Los Angeles practices the foundation of Critical Theory in what they define as Social Justice. Their missions statement reads, “ Crescent heights Language Arts/Social Justice Magnet is a lively, thought-provoking school focused on empowering students to create change within the world” ("Crescent heights language," ). The main goal Teach students to be “Agents of Change” Succeed in society by over coming negative ignorance Equip students with skills to act upon issues that need change Visit their website! http://www.lausd.net/Crescent_Heights_LA-SJ_EL/Home.html

Critique of the Education Theory The values of Critical Theorists in education are: Voice their beliefs Articulate feelings Participate in being a Agent of Change in schools Fight for ideologically neutral institutions Raise consciousness These are all wonderful things to teach students about. But should it be the main focus of education?

What is critical theory missing? What should be the aim of education from a Christian perspective? Instill a love for learning Teach wisdom and knowledge Teach morals and values Love and care for the holistic being of students These are a few things that I believe Critical Theorists are missing in education. Their focused is turned off of the students and onto changing the society by using students

Critical Theory (non Christian Philosophy) “Encourages students to voices their beliefs I believe this is a Christian Philosophy because it teaches morals and not to be ashamed of them (Rom 1:16). Critical Theory (non Christian Philosophy) Aim of education is related to larger social, political goals of equality. I do not believe that this is biblical, the greater aim of education is to teach wisdom knowledge and character. (Proverbs 1:2-3) Critical Theory

Conclution Critical Theory— Develops questions and assumptions about Education Economics Politics Society Change, reform, and equality are the main goals Education is viewed as a way to empower students to change the society and implement equality This Theory was derived from Postmodernism, and Existentialism Philosophies Marxism and Liberation Pedagogy Paulo Frerire’s written work