It is time to talk about bias. As educators, we have the responsibility to create safe spaces in our schools. At UnboundEd, we believe that it is impossible to create that safe space without discussing bias and racism—and their impact on academic opportunities for students of color. In our Bias Toolkit, we dive into best practices school leaders can use to facilitate conversations about race, bias, and prejudice. Here are additional resources you may find helpful.
Facilitator’s Guide to Courageous Conversations About Race by Glenn Eric Singleton
In her keynote address at our Summer Standards Institute, Lacey Robinson told the story of her godson Mitchell, and his unfortunate, but almost inevitable struggles as a Black male in school. She recommended that educators interested in having courageous conversations read Glenn Eric Singleton’s handbook so they can avoid creating an environment that is complicit in the neglect of students like Mitchell. This workbook highlights how race and academic achievement go hand in hand, and it provides detailed guidance for developing a training program for your school.
Equity 101- The Equity Framework: Book 1 by Curtis W. Linton
This first volume of a four-part series explains why closing the achievement gap depends on equity and how you can get educators in your school community to act for equity. Curtis W. Linton defines three characteristics of equity and challenges readers to consider the obstacles to equity in your own school. Linton outlines sample discussions on bias and explains how to create a viable action plan for building a more equitable school environment.
Reaching and Teaching Students in Poverty: Strategies for Erasing the Opportunity Gap (Multicultural Education) by Paul C. Gorski
Learn more about the real impact on poverty and how you can help address it in the classroom. Based on in evidence and analysis of more than 20 years of instructional research, Paul C. Gorski explains how institutional systems and ineffective traditional practices ultimately keep low-income students from receiving the quality education they deserve. He outlines a new framework for educating that redefines educators’ roles in creating equity. He also suggests best practices for building relationships with students in poverty and teaching to their unique needs.
What are you reading to deepen your understanding of bias in our educational system? Tweet at us with your answer, using #SmarterTogether
