IMPLICIT BIAS AWARENESS SERIES

(Virtual)
Over the past 20 years, we have learned about the concept of implicit bias. Also known as implicit social cognition, implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions and decisions in an unconscious manner. These biases, which encompass both favorable and unfavorable assessments, are activated involuntarily and without an individual’s awareness or intentional control. (Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity). As was stated earlier, if you identify as a thinking, breathing human being, then you have implicit bias. While we cannot eliminate our implicit biases, we can mitigate the effects they have on our practices, policies, procedures and behaviors. The introspective and reflective work that we do is that “work behind the work”.

During the 4-part*, Implicit Bias Awareness Series, participants will reflect on the idea of public schools as supportive and inclusive environments where students’ intellectual, social, and emotional well-being are safeguarded by every adult who comes in contact with students and families; especially by ensuring that students are nurtured in every aspect of their development. During this time of reflection, participants will understand how we can hold egalitarian values while simultaneously creating policies and practices that do not reconcile with those same values and how they usually lead to inequitable and disparate outcomes.