Twitter Chat Recap: “Examining Unconscious Bias to Strengthen School Communities”

Twitter Chat Recap: “Examining Unconscious Bias to Strengthen School Communities”

On Monday March 13, the Better Together team hosted our fourth #BetterTogetherCA Twitter Chat of 2017 with New Teacher Center’s Jennifer Ammenti. The topic of the chat was “Examining Unconscious Bias to Strengthen School Communities”. During the chat, we explored how unconscious bias can affect the classroom and how to address it.

Below is a recap of the questions asked during our chat, as well as questions, comments, and insights from the community.

Q1: What makes a strong school community? #BetterTogetherCA

• I think a strong school community is one where all voices are heard and respected – adults and kids #BetterTogetherCA
• Trust #BetterTogetherCA
• An inspirational leader, respect, fluid communication, did I say respect…. an engaged learning community #BetterTogetherCA
• Inclusive, safe, welcoming for all #BetterTogetherCA
• Safe and welcoming environment #BetterTogetherCA
• Affirming, inspiring, empowering #BetterTogetherCA
• shared values. #BetterTogetherCA

Q2: How do you build community throughout the year? #BetterTogetherCA

• You begin with proper planning – strategy. Build a team who has the best interest of all at hand. #BetterTogetherCA
• constantly investing in people and relationships #BetterTogetherCA
• Five innovative ways to create classroom community @edutopia #BetterTogetherCA
• hmm listening, prioritizing people whenever possible. Would love other tips too! #BetterTogetherCA
• Use Dialogue Circles to Grow Classroom Community @edutopia #BetterTogetherCA
• The Essentials of Diversity Responsive Schools @Tolerance_org #BetterTogetherCA

Q3: What is unconscious bias? #BetterTogetherCA

• A bias you are not aware you hold.. In teaching… we may feel a certain way towards a student by the way they dress. #BetterTogetherCA
• when you don’t know about your bias.. when good intentions don’t quite align with actions/words #BetterTogetherCA
• I would say lowering expectations for some students, possibly without realizing it #BetterTogetherCA
• Here’s one definition. @KirwanInstitute #BetterTogetherCA

• #BetterTogetherCA Teachers might perceive behaviors differently based on their experiences
• Read more about Implicit Bias here @KirwanInstitute #BetterTogetherCA
• Unconscious bias made tangible… Microagressions @nytimes #BetterTogetherCA
• Myth Busting Implicit Bias w/ @KirwanInstitute #BetterTogetherCA What is fact and what is fiction? The Kirwan Institute takes on some common misconceptions about #ImplicitBias!

Q4: In what ways does unconscious bias show up in our school communities? #BetterTogetherCA

• Example: A teacher videos their teaching of a lesson and notices they call on boys 95% of the time. Other examples? #BetterTogetherCA
• Seating arrangements in the classroom #BetterTogetherCA
• Perhaps only calling on students we know are going to add to the productive conversation #BetterTogetherCA
• when school staff report being scared of certain families (usually dad’s of color) #BetterTogetherCA
• Microaggressions in the Classroom, an interactive illustration @educationweek #BetterTogetherCA
• What can you do about bias? @mtv @LookDifferent #BetterTogetherCA
• we make our rights & responsibilities at the beginning of the year, & as issues arise, we amend rights and responsibilities.
• People share their experiences with microaggressions #BetterTogetherCA
• Constantly reflect on WHY we make the decisions we do #BetterTogetherCA
• #Microagressions in Everyday Life with @deraldwingsue #BetterTogetherCA

Q5: If you noticed unconscious bias in yourself or school community how might you address it? #BetterTogetherCA

• Thanks for sharing so many amazing resources, @jenammen! Curious to learn more. #BetterTogetherCA
• Practice speaking up with @tolerance_org pocket guide and video scenarios here #BetterTogetherCA
• Prepare Yourself to Speak Up! @Tolerance_org #BetterTogetherCA
• How to respond to everyday bias…“See this, Say That” @mtv @LookDifferent #BetterTogetherCA
• Give students voice, co-construct community with cogens @chrisemdin #BetterTogetherCA

Q6: How can an awareness of and attention to unconscious bias strengthen school communities? #BetterTogetherCA

• Awareness will help to uncover teacher language that may effect students negatively #BetterTogetherCA
• less hurt feelings due to perceived slights and more appreciation of Ts and Ss strengths. #BetterTogetherCA
• . @CATeacherSummit we all make mistakes with awareness we can acknowledge and apologize if necessary #BetterTogetherCA
• Anytime you have an awareness, plan to address… that is a move in the right direction. #BetterTogetherCA
• Results in an equal place of learning where every child can have the potential to flourish #BetterTogetherCA

Q7: What is one way you can further develop your awareness of unconscious biases? #BetterTogetherCA

• We’ve all got ’em, test yourself for hidden bias @Tolerance_org #BetterTogetherCA
• Take the IAT- Implicit Associations Test #BetterTogetherCA
• take the test, read up on the topic… try to be conscious of our bias decisions. #BetterTogetherCA
• Daily self check-ins, self assessment #BetterTogetherCA
• When presenting to staff have a trusted friend track words and facial expressions that may reveal bias #BetterTogetherCA
• Great idea, @LArrowsmithWR! Could do this to track Ss called on in class too, if possible to have a peer join your class. #BetterTogetherCA
• Read “For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood… and the Rest of Y’All Too” @chrisemdin #BetterTogetherCA
• Elementary School version of @chrisemdin ‘s Cogens @ms_brice_second #BetterTogetherCA
• Join @mtv @LookDifferent @KirwanInstitute in a Bias Cleanse #BetterTogetherCA

Q8: What is your key take-away from tonight’s chat on “Examining Unconscious Bias to Strengthen School Communities? #BetterTogetherCA

• I can’t wait to dig into these resources more to start! #BetterTogetherCA
• A larger awareness and great resources that I will be reading tonight- thanks so much @jenammen !! #BetterTogetherCA
• Thanks so much to the brilliant and talented @jenammen for hosting tonight’s #BetterTogetherCA twitter chat. It was powerful + informative!
• @CATeacherSummit A fantastic listen w/ practical resources for tackling unconscious bias and supporting students of color #BetterTogetherCA  
• Thanks everyone for joining us. Great to have your wisdom and experiences. Let’s keep the conversation going! #BetterTogetherCA

What are you thoughts about Unconscious Bias?

Share your thoughts on this topic and the questions above by using the hashtag #BetterTogetherCA on Twitter, and tagging us at @CATeachersSummit. Thanks!