As supporters of public education in New Hampshire reel from the passing of a budget that includes provisions that harm our public schools, namely vouchers and limiting certain social studies and literary content, many teachers are left to think what’s next? How do we navigate school next year coming off a pandemic, with radical activists screaming about theories we don’t even teach? How will we teach AND navigate a barrage of threatened Right to Know requests? Are we going to back down and let truth die, or are we going to keep pushing forward to do what's best for learners and our communities, even if some in our communities aren’t thinking critically at this critical moment in our state's history. I'm hoping most of us will dig deep and bravery and principles will help us through.
Here are five action steps to consider this summer to help you in this onslaught that in many places is already upon us.
#1. Learn about Critical Race Theory and Critical Theory as approaches to looking at society. You might think, wait, that's what they are complaining about, why would I study up on that? Well, you probably want to know what you're being accused of if a community member calls you out. I have worked with teachers all over the state for the past five years, and have seen no evidence of Critical Race Theory. From my perspective, I'd say New Hampshire on the whole is pretty behind many other states in terms of systemic racism literacy for teachers. It’s just not being taught in our schools. What is being taught? Critical thinking, inquiry and problem solving.
#2. Learn about Culturally Responsive and Culturally Relevant Teaching. Yes, they are two different terms and have the same initials as Critical Race Theory. Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (teaching) is a framework developed by Gloria Ladson Billings after completing research on highly effective teachers of Black American students. Culturally Responsive Teaching was built on that framework by Geneva Gay which focuses on specific instructional practices. It's really important to note, that these approaches and ways of thinking are similar to Universal Design for Learning, which is endorsed by the NH DOE and based in brain research. All three ask educators to look at each child, their identities, strengths, abilities and interests to build learning and assessment plans responsive to their individual needs. All three require teachers to understand a student's culture. Some critics of CRT are confusing the legal theory with effective instructional strategies.
#3. Understand their rhetorical strategies and ultimate goals. This is all about discrediting public teachers and schools in order to dismantle public education. This budget is a one-two punch for public education. The first punch is vouchers which we know will increase property taxes. Increased property taxes will continue to pit neighbors against schools. CRT is the critique that arms tax payers with rationale. After all, someone can't say, "I don't want kids to get an education," and not be viewed as reprehensible, but they can say "I don't want to pay for kids to get THAT education." It helps neighbors feel better when they're complaining about high taxes, provides the with reason and logic, even if it's false or misinformed. Public schools in some ways are scapegoats to our state's inability to get adequate funding for schools. We need to name it for what it is.
#4. Study the history of fascism. Pay close attention to processes and timeliness of those regimes. I really don't like being alarmist, but there are patterns and they are quite evident, cue Animal Farm! Education is always the first to get attacked, and bad actors will twist and contort themselves in all kinds of ways to get communities to turn on schools and teachers who refuse to fall in line. Really check out Cultural Bolshevism or Cultural Marxism. Same strategies, different century.
#5. Get a handle on your personal educational philosophy. Why are you a teacher? What is the purpose of education? What principles will you stand by no matter what, which ones are your priorities? I think this one might be most important. Share and talk about your principles with colleagues. This is not the time to get quiet, that's what those trying to silence truth want. Also check out the New Hampshire Educators Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Please know that members of your school's community are supporting the future of our public schools, our democracy AND the futures of our young people. It might not always feel like it, and we'll work harder to let you know we're here.
New Hampshire Teachers: Some Action Steps to Consider as you Plan for the Onslaught to Come