Keith Eric Benson

Argues that the narrative of “failing schools” misrepresents the true causes of low performance in urban, low-income schools, noting that rather than being isolated centers of academic failure, these schools are portrayed as products of systemic economic neglect and flawed policy decisions. 

Argues that as “college and career readiness” continues to be the dominant approach in American schools, it ignores the realities that the workplace of tomorrow is growing harsher as corporations continue their efforts to maximize profits by keeping labor costs low by reducing worker participation and seeking cheaper labor.

Examines the controversy surrounding Critical Race Theory (CRT) in American public schools by exploring the collapse of the traditional news industry, placing current racial tensions in historical context, and analyzing how the conservative media has manufactured a moral panic over CRT to protect whiteness and its hegemony for political gain.

Highlights how, despite widespread reports of teacher burnout and departures, many educators have actively resisted harmful policies and defended public education.

Reviews key changes in teacher unionism as they relate to urban education in the neoliberal project of mass privatization of public education, weakening of teachers unions, and gutting of public worker benefits and pensions.

Ponders the best ways in which to synthesize educational methods and activities to educate a new American public.

Discusses the context of Camden public schools and community as well as the opportunities for urban educators to engage in needed, meaningful community-centered social justice activism.