The intersection of educational inequalities, instructional neglect, and the inequalities due to implicit bias in our society presents a complex and multifaceted issue. Election 2024 if anything has proven that our work for equity should be paramount in best practice including revisions in instructional design and social-emotional learning.
The talking point that needs to be discussed amongst educational communities is understanding that there is a hierarchical social structure in hiring of teachers rooted in tradition and discrimination, that continues to influence various aspects of life, in a sense endorsed by our education system. Not an easy topic, however an important one. New hires can be based on need versus best fit and there are consequences in regards to equitable practice.
By drawing connections to issues of illegal immigration this past year, the systemic thoughts shared by professionals clearly demonstrates a disconnect to empathy and connectivity for populations they serve. Sometimes without knowing it, advocacy that seems genuine and authentic is actually a window in our own implicit bias towards a marginalized group.
Immigrant, legal or illegal are a marginalized group that are treated inequitable in schools across the United States in varying degrees due to implicit bias. The truth is marginalized groups often attend underfunded schools with limited facilities, inadequate teaching staff, and a lack of extracurricular activities. These disparities create a self-perpetuating cycle, as students from privileged backgrounds are more likely to receive quality education, leading to better job prospects and higher incomes, which in turn reinforces their social status.
The issue of illegal immigration further complicates the landscape of educational inequalities. The debate surrounding illegal immigration is often framed in terms of economic and security concerns. A recent example is some educators arguing that deporting immigrants would lead to inflation as an argument against Donald Trump. While well intentioned, it reduces the value of immigrants to being responsible for us sustaining our quality of life.
The truth is our food sources are inexpensive due to poor working conditions, indentured servitude on larger farms, human trafficking, and migrant workers living in very poor conditions during the hottest times of the year. Advocating for illegal immigration to fill labor gaps in jobs that "entitled workers" supposedly wouldn't do is a form of implicit bias. The question of whether we should condone "horrible conditions" versus a willingness to pay more for groceries and services to help those in need is a complex ethical one. It highlights the tension between individual responsibility and societal obligation.
The educational system itself can perpetuate biases and reinforce to students inequities and shape their world differently. Students from privileged backgrounds may develop a sense of entitlement, believing that they are deserving of certain opportunities and outcomes while others are not. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a reluctance to engage in tasks that they perceive as beneath them. In contrast, students from marginalized backgrounds may be channeled into vocational or technical training, limiting their educational and career options based on cultural bias.
The data on student achievement and educational outcomes provides further evidence of the biases present in the educational system. Studies have shown that students from marginalized groups are more likely to be diagnosed with behavioral problems and referred to special education programs, while students from privileged backgrounds are more likely to be identified as gifted and talented. These disparities can be attributed to a variety of factors, including implicit biases among educators and a lack of culturally responsive teaching practices.
By working together to dismantle implicit bias in our current educational system, we can, and will create a more equitable society We can ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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