Critical Theory In Schools

In reference to Thrupp’s (2013a) argument about the impossible nature of comparing National Standards data among schools and aligning it with critical theory, it is evident that those in authority and in this case, the Government, has sole power to conserve, manipulate or modify NS as well as make decisions regarding what level of the assessment data is to be made available to the public. The Government did not take into account the various opposing views and opinions of the teachers, schools, the community and in particular the students themselves before implementing NS. This act of the Government clearly shows the unequal nature of distribution of power National standards are a big issue in schools. The studies and research like the RAINS project are part of critical theory which …show more content…
With regards to NS, critical theory raises the consciousness of inequities identified such as the unequal distribution of power and its impact on education, social, economic, and political life. These ideas of unequal distribution of power are all funnelling through education in terms of policies, curriculum, governance and teachers in schools. Schools can be seen as mini worlds and whatever is happening out there in society can have an impact on schools and what we do as teachers. Critical theory also allows the public to compare and critique NS against its favourable and unfavourable outcome. Through critical theory, one can clearly identify that NS have huge amounts of variations as already mentioned, which make data comparison impossible. Additionally, this theory also makes visible the unequal power relationships between different groups in society which leads to domination and subordination. This is evident in the education system where schools, teachers, parents and whanau are not included in any consultations regarding