Using Racial Identity Development Theory to Teach About Race and Racism in Social Studies

• In Event: 75.055 - Issues of Race and the Social Studies

Abstract

This case study chronicles the experiences of one high school teacher as he utilizes racial identity development theory to teach about race and racism in his elective social studies courses. Courses with explicit intent of issues of race are rare in high schools throughout the United States. We investigate the story of Diego De la Vega, as he intertwines his own racial and ethnic identities and experiences with the content he has created to facilitate student identity development and teach about race related issues. A theoretical framework grounded in critical race theory is used to explore the use of racial identity development practices to assess Mr. De la Vega’s ongoing journey to teach race/ism in the secondary social studies classroom.

Authors

• Andrea M Hawkman, University of Missouri

• Antonio J. Castro, University of Missouri - Columbia