1. Critical Theory
By: Gracie Temple

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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.

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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!

12. 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?

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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