A Necessary Pairing: Using Academic Outcomes and Critical Consciousness to Dismantle Curriculum as the Property of Whiteness in K-12 Ethnic Studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using Critical Race Theory, the authors explore how K-12 Ethnic Studies attempts to dismantle curriculum as the property of Whiteness by replacing it with a social justice education curriculum that centers the lived experiences and epistemologies of people of color. The authors assert that when Ethnic Studies programs cultivate a dual focus on developing critical consciousness and academic skills, these programs can de-center Whiteness and better serve the educational needs of students of color. Using Harris’ four property functions of Whiteness, the authors explain how class assignments that include both critical consciousness and academic skills displace Whiteness as the center of the curriculum. The authors contend that, in the age of Ethnic Studies expansion, targeted and aligned curriculum, which supports the social and academic needs of students of color, is necessary to contest curriculum as the property of Whiteness and to forward the racial justice project, increasing access and equity in education for students of color.