Using Critical Literacy Skills to Support Civic Discourse

A central focus of social studies education is to help students develop into informed and active citizens. Central to the practice of citizenship is the ability to engage in civic dialogue. Informed by the work of Kumashiro and Wolk, this chapter examines the role of critical literacy in moving social studies instruction beyond traditional, teacher-centered approaches to emphasize multiple and conflicting perspectives, inquiry skills, and civic discourse. In order to honor the multiple and conflicting perspectives present in any event, the use of critical literacy examines such questions as who is being represented? and who is speaking for whom? These questions serve to problematize American and Western-centric approaches to social studies education that serve to reinforce the hegemonic discourse too often evident in social studies classrooms to engage students in richer learning experiences and provide them with the skills and dispositions necessary to become active citizens.