Navigating the Latest Culture War

Insights from the Currere Collective on Culturally Responsive Curriculum Design

Abstract

This paper explores the experiences of six Midwest educators, collectively known as the Currere Collective, as they navigate the challenges of implementing culturally responsive curricula in today’s contentious sociopolitical climate. The discussion begins by defining culturally responsive curricula within the context of current cultural and political tensions, highlighting the critical importance of this work in fostering equity. Next, the paper traces the origins of the Currere Collective, a group dedicated to culturally responsive curriculum design. Insights from the group’s shared experiences are then examined, emphasizing the complexities and rewards of addressing students’ diverse cultural wealth in the face of growing resistance. Finally, the paper considers communal currere efforts as a vital form of support and solidarity for educators, offering strategies to sustain culturally responsive teaching practices amidst an often-hostile environment. This work contributes to the ongoing dialogue on equity in education, emphasizing the need for collective action and reflective practice to advance culturally responsive curriculum work.