How do you include anti-bias education in your inclusive practice?

1 Assess your own biases

The first step to include anti-bias education in your inclusive practice is to examine your own biases and assumptions. We all have them, and they can affect how we interact with our students, colleagues, and families. You can use self-reflection tools, such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT), to identify and challenge your implicit biases. You can also seek feedback from others, especially those who have different backgrounds and perspectives from you. Be open to learning and unlearning, and acknowledge your mistakes and growth.

2 Incorporate diverse perspectives and voices

The second step to include anti-bias education in your inclusive practice is to incorporate diverse perspectives and voices in your curriculum and instruction. This means selecting texts, materials, and resources that reflect the diversity of your students and the world. It also means inviting guest speakers, community partners, and families to share their stories and experiences. You can use strategies such as windows and mirrors, which help students see themselves and others in the curriculum, and multiple perspectives, which help students analyze issues from different angles.

3 Create a safe and supportive classroom climate

The third step to include anti-bias education in your inclusive practice is to create a safe and supportive classroom climate. This means establishing clear norms and expectations for respectful and inclusive behavior, language, and communication. It also means modeling and teaching social-emotional skills, such as active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution. You can use activities such as icebreakers, circles, and cooperative learning to build trust and rapport among students and between students and teachers.

4 Engage in critical dialogue and action

The fourth step to include anti-bias education in your inclusive practice is to engage in critical dialogue and action. This means facilitating discussions and debates that encourage students to question, challenge, and critique dominant narratives and structures. It also means providing opportunities for students to take action and advocate for change in their school, community, and society. You can use frameworks such as inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, and service-learning to guide students through the process of identifying, researching, and solving real-world problems.

5 Collaborate with others

The fifth step to include anti-bias education in your inclusive practice is to collaborate with others. This means working with your colleagues, administrators, families, and community members to create a shared vision and plan for anti-bias education. It also means seeking support, feedback, and resources from others who are committed to anti-bias education. You can use platforms such as blogs, podcasts, webinars, and social media to connect with other educators who are practicing anti-bias education.

6 Reflect and improve

The sixth step to include anti-bias education in your inclusive practice is to reflect and improve. This means collecting and analyzing data, such as student work, surveys, observations, and assessments, to measure the impact and outcomes of your anti-bias education. It also means identifying your strengths and areas for improvement, and setting goals and action steps for your continuous learning and growth. You can use tools such as portfolios, journals, rubrics, and checklists to document and evaluate your anti-bias education.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?