Critical race theory isn’t the first social studies controversy

Social studies education in the United States has changed over the last 20-30 years. Why has it become so polarizing, and where should schools go from here?

“Contemporary approaches to social studies education emphasize the importance of students thinking critically about issues.”

Critical race theory has recently become a cultural flashpoint in the US. From Senate chambers to cable news, social media, and school board meetings, two impassioned sides have emerged.

“I believe parents on both sides of the debate truly want what is best for their children and want to see the values that we were raised with come to fruition, but we have very different ideas of how to get there,” says Lisa Gilbert, a lecturer in education at Washington University in St. Louis.

Here, Gilbert, an expert in social studies curriculum and instruction and in culturally responsive pedagogy, offers her perspective:

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