School Leadership: Implicit Bias and Social Justice

Abstract

School leaders are tasked with creating equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students. Social justice reflects the mindset that inequities are not natural or acceptable, as such injustices stemming from implicit bias are inherently rejected from being the norm by social justice leaders. School leadership that embodies a social justice orientation can work to reduce and remediate the impact of implicit bias on students in schools through relationships, flexibility,

Practicing Anti-Racism as Inclusion: Start in Early Childhood!

“…Specifically, implicit bias can have a profound effect on practitioner's behavior toward and expectations of young children (Beachum & Gullo, 2020). Racial bias influences teachers' perceptions of behavior as challenging (Zimmerman, 2018).…”

“…Additionally, implicit bias can contribute to relational conflict between practitioners and children (Chin et al, 2020; Mantzicoppolous, 2005) and impact positive racial identity through representations in selected materials and curriculum. Visuals, toys, and dramatic play materials can all perpetuate stereotypes (Beachum & Gullo, 2020; Price et al, 2016). For example, while posters used to decorate the classroom may seem inclusive, children may be represented with exaggerated features not authentically representative of their lived experiences.…”