A Critical Race Theory Analysis of Data Visualizations in Online Social Studies Curricular Materials

• In Event: Critical Studies in the Social Studies

Abstract

Similar to how citizens read and analyze data visualizations in the press, social studies students are often asked to read and analyze historical or social science data visualizations embedded in textbooks and curricular materials. In this study, we analyzed how race and racism were presented in commonly used history curricular materials. We wanted to know if those data visualizations showed a full or partial racial picture, or worse, displayed white supremacist views of the past. We ask: How are data visually represented in commonly-used history curricular materials? Do those history curricular materials encourage students to observe and analyze data through critical race lenses? Do those history curricular materials support students’ development of anti-racism? If so, how and to what degree?

Authors

• Tamara L. Shreiner, Grand Valley State University

• Christopher C. Martell, University of Massachusetts - Boston