Racism in US Schools: An Increasing Issue - Essay Sample

Introduction

Racism is an increasing issue that affects most schools throughout the United States of America. It is found mostly in ways in which teachers interact with the students in how students interact with fellow students, school discipline, and teachers' preparedness. In the United States, most students come from diverse and racial families. It is estimated that 45% of students come from various groups. Teachers and schools across the country do not consider or reflect diversity. Racism remains the most pervasive and a daily fact of life in many schools and institutions in the United States. It also estimated that 84% of teachers in the public primary schools in the United States come from the white population, with only 7% from the black and Hispanic communities, respectively (Gillborn).

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Studies demonstrate that student's race, cultural background, and ethnicity has a significant impact on their achievements. Racism has a substantial effect on the teaching and learning of students because it impacts how students react to different curriculum and instructions. Still, also it helps the teacher to understand the students. Learners are affected by external influences of racism because most teachers bring different sets of cultural norms and practices in schools; this, therefore, affects the learner's conscious and subconscious behaviors and attitudes. It is, therefore, crucial for schools to provide self-awareness and culturally relevant teaching about racism. Below are different approaches to preventing racism in schools.

Self-Awareness

The first step of combating racism in a learning institution is through self-awareness and self-reflection. Self- awareness helps in coping with issues that are related to differences among students and lack of acceptance among the students. Educators and teachers should, therefore, recognize how different intersections of ethnicity, race, sexual racism, religion, and social-economic status impact the students. Students must understand their identification within a particular group and the privileges associated with the groups (Christy M). Students must also be taught how to actively listen to marginalized groups who experience life differently within the social groupings. They must also be trained on how to acknowledge their biasness and to understand students with different experiences. Also, trainers need to invest in professional development opportunities to increase cultural competences, multiculturalism, and diversity in schools. Schools should also teach students how to recognize behaviors that may reinforce racism. Schools should also come up with programs that entail inviting different people from different races and colors to speak to the learners.

Culturally Relevant Teachings

People have different cultural identities, which often are part of their life. Schools are made up of students who come from different sets of personalities; it is, therefore, essential for schools to embrace culturally relevant teachings. Schools should consequently create learning opportunities that embrace different races and ethnicities. Culturally proper education is a teaching practice that is based on varying cultural backgrounds and knowledge of students as assets in a classroom setting (Byrd). Culturally relevant teachings put more emphasis on excellent social and political analysis and cultural competence. It ensures that students are rigorously engaged in learning different experiences that employ the use of resources and text to explore and discuss various issues within diverse communities. This helps in addressing challenging issues of race, culture, and ethnicity in a thoughtful perspective.

Culturally relevant teachings expose learners to a variety of people and their environments. It promotes social justice and helps in highlighting different historical movements that have worked towards promoting tolerance and equity around the universe. Culturally Relevant teaching allows teachers to develop their cultural competences by first understanding their learners' communities and home lives. This helps students to understand their cultures as well as others'. It empowers learners and allows them to participate in decision making.

School Racial Socialization

School Racial Socialization refers to messages that are given to students to encourage them on positive racial attitudes and give them an understating of the role of race and culture in the community. It offers learners an opportunity to learn about their own cultures. These messages primarily focus on the cultural competence dimensions of different culturally relevant teachings (Byrd). The messages and activities encourage learners to learn about the history, culture of different groups, and different traditions. Positive interactions between learners and educators promote cultural competence through various texts and norms that encourage learners to create friendships and relationships with students of different races. School racial socialization also focuses on messages that encourage learners to be aware and cautious about discrimination and prejudice in society.

Conclusion

Racism has become a significant issue in most institutions, not only in America but also across the globe. To prevent racism, the above-mentioned measures must be considered. Schools must talk to students explicitly and eloquently about racism. Schools must also discuss cultural misunderstandings and the struggle that comes with racism. It is also vital for schools to understand that the effects related to racism are far-reaching and systematic. Schools must also collaborate with different NGOs and community organizations that all aimed at preventing racism and equity in society. Schools must, therefore, treat students equally and incorporate programs that are aimed at teaching different cultural norms of different communities.

Works Cited

Byrd, Christy M. "Does culturally relevant teaching work? An examination from student perspectives." Sage Open 6.3 (2016): 2158244016660744.

Gillborn, David. Racism and education: Coincidence or conspiracy?. Routledge, 2008.

Krasnoff, B. "Culturally responsive teaching: A guide to evidence-based practices for teaching all students equitably." Region X Equity Assistance Center Education Northwest (2016).

Troyna, Barry, and Richard Hatcher. Racism in children's lives: A study of mainly-white primary schools. Routledge, 2018.