Dismantling bias in schools: A multiyear model

Dismantling bias in schools: A multiyear model

Author: Ethical Schools February 5, 2022 Duration: 46:53

We speak with Dr. John Pascarella, Chief Academic Officer of K-12 Professional Learning at USC Race and Equity Center. The Center works with schools to identify disparate outcomes for students and strategies to eliminate them. Dr. Pascarella discusses the need for educators to stand up against systemic bias as it occurs in daily school life. He points out that we need to be aware that we are all inevitably involved in differential power relationships and offers suggestions for teachers engaging in ongoing self-reflection.

Overview

00:00-00:37 Intros

00:37-01:39 USC Race and Equity Center

01:39-03:49 What precipitates involvement with a district or school?

03:49-06:48 What happens when people from a school ask the Center for involvement?

06:48-10:53 Conditions for involvement

10:53-15:31 Defining implicit bias

15:31-17:52 Individual and systemic bias

17:52-23:57 Ways of addressing both individual and systemic bias

23:57-29:37 Strategies for working with teachers who are resistant

29:37-33:16 What happens when school leaders leave

33:16-37:02 Racial Equity Leadership Academy and COSAs project in LA Unified School District

37:02-41:41 Parent involvement

41:41- Outro

Transcript


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
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