2017 KCTE Annual Conference

Students are inundated with media messages that can be challenging to navigate without a critical literacy compass. Critical Hip Hop Literacy is a new engaging platform that infuses Hip Hop Based Education & Critical Literacy to uncover hidden messages of power, privilege, and position. Using the three pillars of critical literacy (Freire, 1970), review, reflect, & respond, presenters will use popular Hip Hop songs to critique and question the author's purpose, and thematic messages of the text. This innovative strategy helps students understand and internalize criticality from a hip hop perspective. As we evolve and grow in this 21st century educational system, critical literacy practices such as Critical Hip Hop Literacy may be paramount in preparing students to be active, thoughtful and critical thinkers, who are equipped with the cognitive skills necessary to strive and grow in a multicultural society.