Understanding the Relationship Between White Teacher Implicit Bias and Black Student Academic Disparities and High Discipline Rates

Abstract

This chapter explores the concept of implicit racial bias as a significant factor contributing to the disparities between the discipline rates of White and Black students. While overt acts of racism are not as common as they were during other times in United States' history, implicit or unintentional racial bias still leads to differences in educational opportunities for the nation's students. The chapter begins with an examination of the concept of implicit bias broadly before turning toward implicit racial bias specifically. The chapter continues with a historical overview of the ways in which schooling for Black students has always been controlled by a dominant White society. Next, the researcher presents current data about the inequities in exclusionary discipline practices. The chapter concludes with recommendations for recognizing and addressing implicit bias and the problems it creates.