The familial curricula of current events

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Abstract

This qualitative study explores how educated, middle-class U.S. parents of school-age children engage in familial curricula of current events, positioning the home as a critical site of civic and justice-oriented education. Based on 14 interviews, it examines common discussion topics, motivations, strategies, and challenges. Grounded in familial curriculum, pedagogies of the home, and critical race parenting theories, the study uses deductive analysis to develop and apply the Critical Familial Curricula of Current Events (CFACE) framework. Findings show that families, particularly those with minoritized identities, use culturally responsive, identity-affirming, and critical pedagogies to address gaps in school-based instruction. This research broadens understandings of civic curriculum-making, calling for stronger school-family collaboration and greater recognition of parents as co-educators in shaping democratic citizenship.

Author

• Nancy Ku Bradt, Queens College