Beliefs about Students CaCCSS for ALL Bias and Stereotyping

Definition of Bias Bias is an inclination to present or hold a partial perspective at the expense of (possibly equally valid) alternatives. A particular tendency or inclination, especially one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice.

Definition of Prejudice Is an opinion, prejudgment or attitude about a group or its individual members. A prejudice can be positive, but in our usage refers to a negative attitude.

Definition of Stereotype An exaggerated belief, image or distorted truth about a person or group – a generalization that allows for little or no individual differences or social variation.

Dyad What are your thoughts about what you read last night? What are the implications?

Small Group How was this teacher able to uncover bias in her classroom? What strategies did she use to make her classroom more equitable? What are some ways that educators can become aware of and change practices that adversely affect their students?

How do we learn prejudice? Children begin as toddlers. Early in life, most children acquire a full set of biases that can be observed in verbal slurs, ethnic jokes and acts of discrimination.

Hidden Bias Scientific research has demonstrated that biases thought to be absent or extinguished remain as “mental residue” in most of us. Project Implicit’s Website

Biases and Behavior A growing number of studies show a link between hidden biases and actual behavior. Hidden biases can reveal themselves in action, especially when a person’s efforts to control behavior consciously flags under stress, distraction, relaxation or competition.

What can you do? Conscious attitudes and beliefs can change! The first step may be to admit biases. Commit to just treatment.

Examples of Stereotyes Watch the video.

PES Questions What bias might you bring to your work with students, colleagues, and parents? Where does your bias come from? What can you do to examine and change this?