Root Out Biases and Barriers

What are the racial impacts of different policies and practices at your school and school district?

Everyone, regardless of race, can have unconscious racial bias. Be willing to examine your own bias and the ways you may be privileged or unaware. Reflect upon all aspects of your teaching practice. Could your curriculum, pedagogy, grading, classroom management or disciplinary practices be giving preference to some students while putting others at a disadvantage? Are there any barriers to learning and success that some students may be experiencing? What are the racial impacts of different policies and practices at your school and school district?

Look at available data to see if there are patterns of inequitable outcomes or unintended consequences. Invite observation, discussion and feedback from colleagues and students about routine practices in order to surface lessons and equitable alternatives.

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In This Section:

1. Create a Welcoming Classroom and School
2. Root Out Biases and Barriers
3. Encourage Self-Expression
4. Be Open Yourself
5. Engage, Don’t Avoid
6. Create Opportunities for Discussion
7. Talk About Racism and Racial Equity
8. Establish and Enforce Group Norms
9. Process is as Important as Content
10. Model Your Values and Vision

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