Reply to Racial issues in DCPS for mixed race kids

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]What I have a problem with is that he has told me that some of the AA boys in his class get into a lot of trouble, and don't read as well, etc. and I honestly believe that is because of skin color as there are white boys in his class that behave the same way (I have known most of the kids in his class for years).  Although I am relieved that my son is not treated this way by teachers, I think it is a serious problem that AA boys are disciplined more harshly and are not expected to achieve as much as other kids in the classroom.  [/quote]

I have noticed this problem as well in my child's class. The AA boys (higher and lower SES)are always in trouble: have to miss recess for being too rowdy, etc. I volunteer in the classroom and it is very disturbing. It has been bothering me a lot but since it isn't my child, I don't think it's my place to say anything.

I don't think the teachers realize that they are treating the kids differently.

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I saw this as well with my DS's first school.  I was shocked to see this attitude in DC but I believe it is subconscious.  It showed how important it was for me to stay extra involved in my child's classroom - helicopter label be damned.  [/quote]

Yes, I think the teachers are not aware of their bias.  One of the main "problem" kids in the class is white but doesn't get in trouble on the same level and other white parents complain about his behavior (highly disruptive) openly in front of me. Still, based on my observations (volunteering in the class) and my son's stories, the AA boys are punished more often, loosing recess and other punishments.  And kids notice.  For example, my biracial son has made comments about black boys being bad, gross generalizations that I am constantly addressing.  He is learning that being a black boy is not good and that is one reason why I think he doesn't want to be considered AA.  Interestingly, the AA girls in his class are not treated the same way.  [/quote]

This is my line of work and here's how I've seen this play out in the classroom. Two boys are being rowdy, playing or not following directions.  The teacher gives excuses for the white boy's behavior and tries to redirect him: "Johnny, you must be tired. This is not like you. Would you like to be my helper?"  The teacher disciplines or shames the black boy for the same behavior: "Jamal, you should not be doing that. Go to time out and think about what you did. Your mother would be very upset to find out how you're acting."

These are *actual* things I've heard from being in class with two different teachers. I  would not call these teachers "racist" or any such thing, but they happened to have developed subconscious negative views about black boys.

Studies have shown that when guessing ages of black boys, people believe  black boys are several ages older than they actually are. There are also notions that they need to be "corrected" or they'll end up as thugs. The human element (like a kid may just be having a bad day or responding to something that happened at home) is more apparent in interactions with white boys and lacking with black ones.

I'm glad that teachers are being made aware of bias through programs and workshops. Negative bias of any kind (other groups as well) can be detrimental to one's self esteem.[/quote]

I used to tutor a kid who told me "I can't do well in school because I'm black."  He was 10.

I tried to have a long conversation about how that wasn't true but it's hard to know how much it really helped against a lifetime of internalized prejudice. [/quote]

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