Racism's impact on student achievement and strategies for classroom intervention

Education and Racism

There are many controversial issues related to education and racism, none the least of which is identifying the relationship between racism and student achievement (Constantine, 2002). The aim of this paper will be an examination of what attitudes and beliefs impact a students ability to achieve and succeed in the classroom, as well as an examination of what methods must be adopted to combat racism effectively in the classroom.

Racism is an important topic to examine, particularly as more and more school systems within the United States are becoming racially and ethnically diverse (Constantine, 2002). Many teachers, school counselors and even students often feel unequipped to address the needs of students that come from diverse cultural backgrounds (Constantine, 2002). Conflict and chaos in the classroom often results when the needs of racially and ethnically diverse students are ignored.

One critical factor relating to the controversy surrounding racism is identification of racism as a real problem. There are many people that still will not acknowledge that racism is a problem in the realm of education (Constantine, 2002). There are those that would claim that racism is simply a means for certain groups to cry wolf, or gain attention when they feel they are lacking it. However the wealth of attention that has been directed at the subject of racism should be enough to confirm that racism is a vital topic and problem that still exists within the modern day classroom.

Conquering Racism in the Classroom

There have been numerous studies that suggest that racism contributes to low self-esteem and poor student achievement/outcomes (Donaldson, 1996; Constantine, 2002). Because of this it is vital that educators identify avenues for eliminating racism in the classroom. One of the most controversial aspects of racism however is that many teachers inadvertedly perpetuate it, by not recognizing and attending to the needs of culturally diverse students.

Many studies have shown that racist attitudes exist and are particularly strong among educators that don't have a strong cultural or ethnically diverse background (Sue, Arrendondo & McDavis, 1992; Constantine, 2002). It is easy to conclude then that racism is rampant, given the predominately homogenous make up of teachers in most schools. A majority of educators are in fact, white, which may in and of itself lend itself to increased incidences of racism in the classroom. Many educators have self reported that they tend to have racist notions or at the very minimum hold stereotypes about certain students given their ethnic and cultural background, even though socially this is unacceptable (Constantine, 2002).

The question arises then how does one combat and conquer racism in the classroom? This topic has been debated time and time again. Educators are still attempting to develop a solid, uniform and cohesive plan for overcoming racist attitudes in the classroom. Racist attitudes remember, can result not only from inattention but also to miscommunication and misunderstanding in the classroom. Misunderstanding should be quite common in an ethnically diverse setting, because people coming from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences will undoubtedly communicate, interact and even behave differently than what might be considered the 'norm' (Constantine, 2002). In addition, culturally diverse students typically have varying beliefs, values, attitudes and morals that may or may not coincide with those held by other students, faculty and staff.

Thus the idea of multiculturalism comes into play, which many believe is the key to conquering racism in the classroom today.

Conclusions

Though may people argue that racism is a thing of the past, it is still a hot topic among educators and staff in today's school systems. As the world continues to become more globally focused, and as classrooms become more diverse reflecting the culturally and racially diverse population, it is more important than ever that educators work together with parents and students to identify racism early in the educational process so that strategies can be developed to overcome it. Racism in the classroom can result in poor student achievement, sense of self-worth, and result in needless misunderstandings and confusion in an environment that should be safe and encouraging above all else.

Though there is not one method that has been identified and agreed upon for overcoming racism in the classroom, most researchers and educators are starting to acknowledge the important of acquiring multicultural competencies to combat racism. This involves evaluating ones personal biases and values in order to better relate to people that are ethnically and culturally diverse.

The only way that racism can be beat in schools is through educational programs that foster diversity and encourage understanding in a warm and embracing environment. This includes programs that encourage multicultural competence and communication among staff, teachers and students alike. Students and educators must work together to understand and meet the needs of diverse students, parents and staff. Doing so will result in a more cohesive and accomplished student body, and will decrease the likelihood that racism remains at the forefront of subjects with regard to education. The fight to end racism hasn't yet ended, in fact it has only just begun.

Reference:

Constantine, M.G. (2002). Racism attitudes, white racial identity attitudes and multicultural counseling competence in school counselor trainees. Counselor Education and Supervision, 41(3)162.

Donaldson, K.B. (1996). Through students' eyes: Combating racism in United States schools. Westport: Praeger.

Sue, D.W., Arrendondo, P. & McDavis, R.J. (1992). "Multicultural counseling competencies and standards: A call to the profession." Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 20: 64-68.