Contents
A blog discussing how race affects education in America and what can be done to change the disparities.
Checkout this video:
The History of Racism in Education
Racism has always been a factor in American education. From the time the first slaves were brought over from Africa, whites have tried to keep blacks from getting an education. In the South, this was done by passing laws that made it illegal for blacks to learn to read or write.
Segregation in schools
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in 1909. One of its primary goals was to ensure that all African American children had access to a quality education. In the early 1900s, however, most African American children attended segregated “colored” schools that were often underfunded and had inferior resources.
The NAACP began to challenge segregation in the courts. In 1954, in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregating public schools on the basis of race was unconstitutional. The Court ordered that public schools be desegregated “with all deliberate speed.”
Despite this ruling, however, many public schools remained segregated. In some cases, this was due to resistance from white parents and community members who did not want their children to attend school with African American children. In other cases, it was because school districts used a variety of methods to keep African American children segregated in “colored” schools.
One method was “tracking.” This is when students are sorted into different groups based on their ability level. White students were typically placed in the higher tracks, while African American students were placed in lower tracks. This meant that African American students were more likely to be taught by less experienced teachers and had less access to resources such as advanced coursework and extracurricular activities.
As a result of tracking and other methods of segregation, many African American children continued to attend inferior “colored” schools even after Brown v. Board of Education. In some cases, they were bused to school districts where there were no other African American children attending school. This process, known as “busing,” was meant to help desegregate schools but often had the opposite effect: it isolated African American children even further from their white peers.
The effects of racism in education are still felt today. Studies have shown that African American students are more likely to be placed in lower tracks and less likely to have access to resources such as advanced coursework and extracurricular activities. They are also more likely to be taught by less experienced teachers than their white counterparts
White flight
In the United States, “white flight” is a phenomenon in which white people relocate to suburban or exurban areas to live, due to the perceived bad social conditions of city neighborhoods that are predominantly non-white. The reasons given for white flight are typically fear of crime, poor schools, and lack of social mobility.
This phenomenon has had a profound impact on American cities, especially those that were once majority white. As more and more whites have moved out of cities, the tax base has shrunk, leaving cities with fewer resources to invest in schools and other public services. This has exacerbated the problems that white flight was meant to escape, creating a vicious cycle that has left many urban areas struggling.
There is no single cause of white flight; rather, it is a response to a combination of factors. These include:
-Racial tension: Cities with large minority populations often have higher crime rates and poorer schools, leading whites to believe they will be better off elsewhere.
-Segregation: Ghettos or other segregated areas can make whites feel unwelcome and unsafe.
-Economic decline: As factories close and jobs disappear, many whites believe they will have better opportunities elsewhere.
White flight has had a devastating impact on American cities. It has created segregated neighborhoods with concentrated poverty and limited resources, which has made it difficult for residents to escape the cycle of poverty. White flight also continues to shape attitudes about race in America; many whites still see urban areas as dangerous and undesirable places to live.
Tracking
The idea of tracking students into different levels of classes based on ability is not a new one. In fact, the history of racism in education shows that this idea has been around for centuries.
The practice of tracking began in the United States during the late 1800s as a way to separate white students from students of color. At that time, most schools were segregated, meaning that students of color were forced to attend separate schools from white students.
However, even within these segregated schools, white students were often given better resources and opportunities than their Black and Brown peers. In an attempt to level the playing field, some educators began to advocate for tracking—the idea that students should be placed in different classes based on their abilities.
While some saw this as a way to give all students an equal opportunity to succeed, others saw it as a way to further cement the inferiority of Black and Brown children. As one historian has noted, “tracking became a tool of racism masquerading as educational reform.”
There is no question that tracking has had a negative impact on children of color throughout history. Studies have shown that tracked classes are often less challenging and have lower expectations for student achievement. As a result, children who are placed in these classes are less likely to succeed in school and more likely to drop out.
In recent years, there has been a push to de-track classrooms in an effort to provide all students with a more equitable education. While this is a step in the right direction, it is important to remember that the history of racism in education runs deep. Tracking is just one example of how racism has been institutionalized within our education system—and there is much work still to be done in order to dismantle these systems and create truly equitable schools for all children.
The Impact of Racism in Education
Racism is a social problem that has been around for centuries. It has been a major issue in education, with different groups of people being treated unfairly because of their skin color or ethnicity. This can lead to a feeling of inferiority and can make it difficult for people of color to get a good education.
Lower test scores
There is a huge achievement gap in the United States between different races. Studies have shown that minority students, especially black and Latino students, tend to score lower on standardized tests than their white counterparts. This achievement gap is especially evident in high-stakes tests like the SAT and ACT.
There are a number of possible explanations for this achievement gap. One theory is that minority students attend schools that are underfunded and lack resources. Another possibility is that minority students face discrimination and racism in the education system, which leads to them feeling less motivated to do well in school.
Whatever the reason, the achievement gap is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Closing the achievement gap would not only benefit individual students, but also the economy as a whole. A more educated workforce would lead to greater innovation and productivity, and ultimately help to close the wealth gap between different racial groups.
Lower graduation rates
There is a growing body of evidence that documents the detrimental effect of racism in education. Studies have shown that students of color are more likely to face disciplinary action, be taught by less experienced and lower-paid teachers, and attend schools that are underfunded and in disrepair. These factors all contribute to lower graduation rates for students of color.
A report from the National Center for Education Statistics found that only 67% of black students and 69% of Hispanic students graduated from high school in 2015, compared to 82% of white students. This gap has persisted for decades, and it means that black and Hispanic students are far less likely to have the opportunity to pursue a college education or enter into a career.
The impact of racism in education doesn’t just stop at graduation rates, however. Studies have also shown that students of color who do manage to graduate from college are more likely to end up in lower-paying jobs and suffer from more job-related stress than their white counterparts. In a society that continues to value whiteness over all other racial groups, it’s no surprise that this trend exists.
If we want to create a more equitable society, it’s crucial that we address the issue of racism in education. We need to invest in schools that serve black and brown students, hire more teachers of color, and create curriculum that is reflective of the experiences of all people. Only then can we hope to close the achievement gap and provide everyone with an equal chance at success.
Increased drop-out rates
There is a significant correlation between racism and increased drop-out rates in education. A study by the National Education Association found that African American students who experienced racism in school were more likely to drop out than their white counterparts. The study also found that students who experienced racism were more likely to have lower grades and test scores, and were less likely to participate in class.
Racism can have a number of negative impacts on students, both academically and emotionally. Studies have shown that racism can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. These factors can all contribute to a student’s decision to drop out of school.
Racism also affects a student’s ability to learn. When students feel unwelcome or isolated in their classrooms, they are less likely to participate or engage with the material. This can lead to lower grades and test scores, as well as a reduced interest in the subject matter. In addition, racist attitudes and practices within schools can create an environment that is not conducive to learning. For example, if a school has a history of segregating students by race, this can create an atmosphere of tension and mistrust that makes it difficult for all students to succeed.
The negative impact of racism in education is well-documented, and it is clear that this problem must be addressed in order to improve educational outcomes for all students.
Solutions to Racism in Education
Racism is a major problem in the United States that has been around since the country was first founded. Racism in education is a huge problem because it causes a lot of disparities between different groups of people. These disparities can be seen in things like test scores, graduation rates, and even employment rates after graduation. There are a lot of reasons why racism exists in education, but there are also ways to fix it.
More diverse and inclusive curriculum
In order to make the education system more equitable for students of color, some educators argue that schools need to implement a more diverse and inclusive curriculum. This means incorporating topics and perspectives that are often left out of the traditional Eurocentric curriculum. For example, courses could be created that focus on the history and experiences of people of color in the United States. Other examples include adding Indigenous perspectives to existing courses, such as history or social studies, and increasing the number of courses that focus on different cultures and world regions.
Some educators also believe that it is important to hire a more diverse teaching staff so that students of color can see themselves represented in their educators. Studies have shown that having just one teacher of color in a school can positively impact the academic achievement of all students in the school, not just students of color. By increasing the diversity among teachers, schools can help create a more inclusive environment for all students.
More teachers of color
Many experts say that one way to help close the achievement gap between white students and students of color is to have more teachers of color in the classroom.
“Teachers of color can provide valuable role models for their students,” says Darlene espinoza, Director of Education Programs at the nonprofit Latino advocacy group, Presente.org. “They can help instill a sense of pride and confidence in their students that may be lacking due to the negative messages about their race that they see and hear in society.”
Espinoza adds that teachers of color can also help create a more culturally responsive curriculum that is better tailored to the needs of their students.
Still, some people argue that putting more emphasis on race in education is not the answer. Tamara Spiewak, CEO of The Education Conversation, a nonprofit that focuses on educational equity, argues that we need to move beyond narrowly defined “achievement gaps” and instead focus on improving education for all students.
“When we talk about the ‘achievement gap,’ it suggests that there is something wrong with kids of color or low-income kids, when really the problem lies with our education system,” Spiewak says. “We need to fix the system so that it works for all kids, regardless of their background.”
More resources for students of color
In order to address the issue of racism in education, we need to provide more resources for students of color. disproportionately face obstacles in acquiring an education. From lack of access to quality schools, to discrimination and racism within the education system, students of color often struggle to succeed in school.
Providing more resources for students of color can help level the playing field and give them the opportunity to succeed. Some ways to do this include:
-Providing more scholarships and financial aid for students of color
-Increasing the number of teachers of color
-Creating mentorship programs pairing young students of color with successful professionals
-Creating safe spaces within schools where students can discuss race and racism openly
Open communication and a willingness to address the issue of racism in education is also crucial. We need to have difficult conversations about race, and we need to listen to the experiences of students of color. Only then can we begin to create real solutions that will make a difference.
