Confronting Racial Bias in the Classroom
According to a recent study by the Yale Child Study Center, preschoolers in the US are 3.6 times more likely to get suspended than their white peers.
Futhermore, the study found that while black children only make up 19% of preschool enrollment, they account for 47% of preschoolers suspended one or more times.
Why?
The study’s authors suggest that implicit racial biases may contribute to these glaring disparities in early expulsions.
So how can teachers work against racial biases?
For starters, they can drop the colorblind approach. For many students of color, race is an important part of their identity. Embracing colorblindness can effectively deny people of color the reality of their experiences. Furthermore, if a teacher insists that he does not “see” race, then how could he recognize racism?
Developing a strong sociocultural consciousness can also help disrupt racial oppression. Sociocultural consciousness is the awareness that one’s worldview is not universal or superior to that of others.
The Sanford Inspire Program’s free, online professional development module on Working Against Racial Bias— one of six modules that focus on culturally responsive pedagogy — outlines three steps that teachers can take to develop their sociocultural consciousness and work against racial bias in their schools:
1. Learn about self: Locate one’s beliefs about teachers, students and schools and the experiences that informed those beliefs, identifying the limitations of one’s perspective;
2. Learn about schools and society: Specifically, learn about the ways that different groups of students have historically been marginalized in public education;
3. Develop interpersonal awareness: Seek to understand the perspectives of others, especially during times of conflict or uncertainty.
Expelled and suspended preschoolers can never get back the developmentally vital time that they lose. Furthermore, getting suspended drastically increases the likelihood that a child will never graduate high school.
As the racial dynamics of our classrooms continue to change, it is now more important than ever for professional development to arm teachers with the tools necessary to combat racial biases.
For more information on how Sanford Inspire Program resources can enhance your PD program, reach out today.
