Anti-Bias Education
Kendra Ruffner, Taylor Matt, Kassie Holzinger, and Rachel Burke
Basic Facts
What is Bias?
" From their earliest days of life, children receive messages about their own identity and the identities of others. These messages are often subtle and learned unconsciously—from family, friends, school and the media—but they can have a lasting impact on people’s self-image and worldview. When diversity (differences based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, culture, learning style, socioeconomic class, body type and ability) is not valued or respected, harmful behaviors like name-calling, bullying and social exclusion can emerge."
What is Anti-Bias Education?
“Anti-bias education is a critical approach to teaching and learning that recognizes that change is needed. Anti-bias educators actively challenge prejudices and injustices. They engage in critical thinking and problem solving, supporting all children in developing a fuller understanding of themselves and their place in this world” (Derman-Saprks 2015).
Source:
https://www.adl.org/education/resources/glossary-terms/what-is-anti-bias-education
-Doe Zantamata
"To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try."
-Rosa Parks
Education is the powerful weapon which you can use the change the world.
- Nelson Mandela
Equality, Inclusion & Anti-Bias Resources
This website is a great resource to use to learn more about anti-bias education. It talks about common key barriers that prevent equitable learning experiences that are helpful to be aware of. It also provides a list of children's literature books that include equity and diversity, and all incorporate very important themes and lessons throughout them.
Teaching Young Children to Understand and Accept Differences
]This article gives great advice on how early childhood educators can teach their students and create learning communities to support human differences. The author gives the reader five different strategies to create an anti-bias classroom, including resources to help.
Books on Anti-Bias
Videos
Curriculum Activity For Anti-Bias Education With Students
Video Published by Education Week
Some California preschools are getting children to participate in conversations about racial differences at an early age by introducing an anti-bias curriculum that teaches kids about diversity and inclusion. Against a backdrop of national divides over race, these educators use art projects and discussions to infuse a powerful message into the classroom.
Julie Olsen Edwards: How Teachers Can Help Children's Identities Grow
Video Published by Early Learning Nation
This video discusses anti-bias education and how beneficial it can be for children as well as adults. Julie Olsen Edwards explains that part of the help needed comes from teachers. It is so important for those who work with kids to be aware of the opportunity they have to help create a sense where children feel strong about whom they are without having to feel superior.
How to Outsmart Your Own Unconscious Bias | Valerie Alexander
Video Published by TEDx Talks
This video discusses the brain activity that is responsible for our unconscious biases, and how we can work to overcome these biases. Valerie Alexander mentions how it is extremely important to continually examine your behavior. It is important to be aware of your biases, as this is how they can be addressed. This is how we can make a change.
What is an anti-bias curriculum in early childhood settings?
Video Published by Early Childhood Management Services
In this video, renowned early childhood expert Dr Red Ruby Scarlet explains what an anti-bias curriculum is in early childhood settings.
Works Cited
Derman-Sparks, L. (2015). Leading anti-bias early childhood programs: A guide for change. New York: Teachers College, Columbia University.
Teaching Young Children to Understand and Accept Differences. Teaching Young Children to Understand and Accept Differences | Lesley University. https://lesley.edu/article/teaching-young-children-to-understand-and-accept-differences.
Understanding Anti-Bias Education: Bringing the Four Core Goals to Every Facet of Your Curriculum
]This article gives four goals to be anti-bias which include identity, diversity, justice, and activism giving definitions and examples on how to become anti-bias in our lives