In this episode, Ben Blaisdell (East Carolina University, Kevin's department-mate) talks about critical race theory (CRT) and its applicability to k-12 education. Ben's research and work in schools relies heavily on critical race frameworks, and at a time where people are so polarized about CRT, Ben explains what it is, what it's not, what critics get wrong about it, and how it can answer current criticisms leveled against it.

3:12 - What is critical race theory and what is its significance for a field like k-12 education?
14:12 - Concrete ways racialization plays out in schools
26:26 - But aren't we just lowering expectations for black and brown students? Aren't we just devolving into racial stereotype?
31:06 - Are the people critics of CRT aim at (Kendi, DiAngelo) working within a CRT framework? (Teaser: not really.)
45:03 - If racism is unavoidable, how can teachers subvert it? If biases are unconscious, how can we become aware of ours?
54:30 - What are critics (especially legislators and pundits) getting wrong about CRT?
1:03:55 - Can CRT and antiracism veer into a religious way of thinking?

In this conversation, I talk with higher education anthropologist Susan Blum (Notre Dame) about her work on how students experience higher education. We also talk about an essay collection she recently edited called Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What To Do Instead).

0:58 - How Students Navigate and Experience School; It Ain't Pretty!
12:35 - Why Do So Many Students Play School Like a Game?
23:55 - What Makes Grading So Problematic? Can We Motivate Students Without Them?
36:43 - Ways Different Teachers (including Susan and Kevin) Have Backed Off of Grades in Their Classrooms
52:50 - How Could Teachers Start Moving Away From Grading?

Kevin talks with Samantha Hedges (Heterodox Academy, Substack) about recent articles she has written criticizing critical-race-influenced approaches to diversity and equity training in schools. They talk about why Samantha believes that these trainings inadvertently stoke racial division as well as the possibility of an alternative "common humanity" approach to these issues.

3:41 From Teacher to Education Policy Writer
14:58 - Samantha's Concerns with Critical Race Approaches to Diversity and Equity in Education
24:38 - Questions and Concerns About Research on Implicit Bias Tests
32:50 - Might Critical Race Approaches Misidentify the Cause of Some Educational Disparities?
44:55 - Juxtaposing Critical Race Approaches to Diversity with a "Common Humanity" Approach
49:08 - How Much Do (K-12) Students Need Exposure to Antiracism Training?