The Persistence of Gaps in Student Achievement

May 21, 2012

The purpose of Critical Race Theory (CRT) is social justice. Since the inception of CRT in Education in 1995, scholars have produced over 300 books, articles, and book chapters devoted to critiques of policy, pedagogy, and practices across the grades K-16 spectrum. More than 20 special journal issues have analyzed data and conceptualized extensions of CRT in education. But Gloria Ladson-Billings said one aspect of CRT that scholars have yet to fully develop is a robust agenda for social change. Ladson Billings and fellow panelists at the AERA Annual Meeting noted large disparities in student achievement that persist in many major school districts. More information about Ladson-Billings's work is available here.