Unconscious Bias in Schools (Revised Edition): A Developmental Approach to Exploring Race and Racism

by Tracey A. Benson

In Unconscious Bias in Schools, two seasoned educators describe the phenomenon of unconscious racial bias and how it negatively affects the work of educators and students in schools. In order to address this bias, the authors argue, educators must first be aware of the racialized context in which we live.

Unconscious Bias in Schools provides education leaders with an essential road map for addressing these issues directly. The authors draw on the literature on change management, leadership, critical race theory, and racial identity development, as well as the growing research on unconscious bias in a variety of fields, to provide guidance for creating the conditions necessary to do this work - awareness, trust, and a "learner's stance". Benson and Fiarman also outline specific steps toward normalizing conversations about race; reducing the influence of bias on decision-making; building empathic relationships; and developing a system of accountability.

All too often, conversations about race become mired in questions of attitude or intention - "But I'm not a racist!" This book shows how information about unconscious bias can help shift conversations among educators to a more productive, collegial approach that has the potential to disrupt the patterns of perception that perpetuate racism and institutional injustice.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Race, Adult, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published September 28, 2021

Reviews

[Amanda B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be a school-wide read

[Joy Kirr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for school leaders - and YOU can be a leader in this case. The gist? It’s going to take time. Make the discussions about bias - and keep them - a priority, and know you’ll make mistakes nine out of ten times. Keep trying. Don’t ever think you’re doing it well and can quit the discussions for a bit. It’s an on-going process, never to stop. Find someone at school who will listen and give you reflective, helpful, and honest feedback. (I listened to the free audio - for educators - from LIBRO.) Most helpful quote for me: “…whether through verbal or nonverbal communication, students receive messages about their value on a minute-to-minute basis during classroom instruction.”

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The disturbing reality is that whether through verbal or nonverbal communication, students receive messages about their value and worth on a minute-to-minute basis during classroom instruction. These messages, delivered unconsciously, daily, over time, have a profound effect on students. The good news is that we can do something about it" (Benson and Fiarman 119).

(Yes, I included a citation in my Goodreads review because my English teachers thoroughly scared me about plagiarism in high school.)

This is an excellent guide, especially for administrators or others in leadership positions, but I think anyone in education can get something useful out of it. I especially appreciated the candor of the authors in describing their own experiences discussing the topics of race and unconscious bias among faculty. The authors know what kinds of roadblocks schools face in getting faculty to discuss implicit bias in a productive (and not defensive) way, and they have solutions.

Over all, an excellent read that I can't wait to lend to some colleagues.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Looking forward to leading a book study on this one next semester. How to talk about race without getting emotionally triggered, learning to see our own hidden biases (yes, we all have them), and finding out what to do about it - good stuff.

[Kim Stock]

Certainly makes you hold up a mirror to reflect on your own actions. Like that this stresses the importance of consistency with teachers. I would recommend this to people in administration for ideas on how to have these discussions with their staff.

[Lauren | TransportedLFL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to LibroFM for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

This book made me quite thoughtful. I reflected not only on my own racial biases, but also on my reactions to trainings. I plan to recommend we use this as a basis for future training.

[Andrea Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benson and Fiarman have written an honest and practical guidebook for school leaders to engage in the important, urgent, and challenging work of addressing racism in schools. Drawing on their own experiences as a black male principal and as a white female principal, they clearly define the contours of the challenges facing all of us in naming and addressing unconscious bias and the myriad ways that it is harming our children. Essential reading for all of us that want our schools to be equitable places of learning and growth for all of our students.

[Jennifer Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are someone who wants to promote a more equitable society where all people are welcome, I highly recommend this book. This book is obviously about teaching and education. However, as a POC, I feel like it includes incredibly important messages about to handle our unconscious biases and how to make this world a better place for everyone. It tackles why well-meaning progressive people and work spaces still commit unconscious biases that complicate their goals towards equity, particular for people of color.

I’ve been slowly making my way through this book after my principal bought a copy for all of our staff members at our school. At first, I wasn’t super keen on it — it was very much « preaching to the choir » for me, and I found myself frustrated with society. However, this book also includes ways of thinking that I will definitely be implementing into my classroom, and by the end, I was excited to share what I have learned.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another thoughtful look at considering how students experience school differently and the things that teachers and administrators can do to create equity across student populations. While much of the information is redundant with many of the other books, I particularly appreciated the focus on "impact" versus "intention." The slight shift in mindset that it forces to think about outcomes rather than what we might intend or believe is nuanced but important. I felt like this (and many of the concepts in the book) can be useful for exploring race/racism AND all kinds of other inequities and unconscious biases. There are many practical and qualitative suggestions that remove some of the more emotionally fraught topics along with anecdotes about dealing directly with those emotions and topics.

[Amanda Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book right after completing a Master’s degree in culturally and linguistically diverse education and special education, so I don’t feel like I had as many “light bulb” moments as I might have had I read this earlier in my teaching career and pre-Master’s. Also, I wish the authors would have included discussion questions and/or questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. Despite these notes, I found this book to helpful in guiding my reflection in my coaching practices and conversations as the CLDE coach for a middle school and high school.

[Benjamin Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most thought provoking books on Unconscious Bias I have ever read. To have it from the prospective of someone who have lived and breathed the experience is priceless. I am working on a program on School Resources officers and it was very timely. I will be doing a keynote in December for some school administrators about bias and safety in the schools. The book is invaluable as I prepare for the event.

[kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores the topic of race and racism in schools and gives practical guidance to leaders looking to tackle these difficult conversations with their faculty and staff. I read it through one time and can’t wait to put together a team of educators to read it with again. A huge thank you to the authors for their honest reflections and do-able suggestions. Reading this book has made me feel empowered to get started!!

[Melanie Van Dorp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t a gripping book, and it was somewhat repetitive. But I took so many things away to apply to my own teaching and practices at my school.

Reading this book also caused me to reflect on my own practices, bias’, and I walked away with many ideas to better meet my students needs.

Although this was geared more to administrators, and slightly more to high schools, there is still so much to gain from reading this book.

[Lucas Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my assigned texts for grad school. A good ground level book for teachers and administrators who are looking for commentary on implicit racial bias in education. Our class devotes a significant chunk of time to exploring unconscious bias, and Benson & Fiarman's book has been well received. One classmate even began listing all the different people who would benefit from borrowing her copy, a gift which, like a mint, comes with a very pointed message.

[Renee Gall · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It may not be an exaggeration to say that if educators do not examine and counter their biases, improvement efforts will always fall short. Bias sabotages progress.”

Some of the scenarios read like the kantola online training I have to do for work, but this book addressed an issue not widely discussed in an informative and engaging way. I look forward to checking out some of the further resources listed towards the end of the book.

[Sam Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Benson's really getting to a very serious core issue that must be dealt with across the board in US schools. Bringing it to the forefront so it can eventually be dealt with...getting rid of bias and racism. Benson and coauthor Fiarman have written a 'must read' for any and all K-12 educators, administrators, principals, and school board members. Highly recommended.

[Brandy Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second reading of this book, even though I didn’t document it on Goodreads. We read it in a previous class during my Masters program. Really great book on how both teachers and administrators can work together and separately to work toward a less biased educational system.

[Aurora Kushner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great! Helpful. pragmatic, honest and courageous.

[Seth Roush · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye-opening read about racial bias in schools.

[Jon Dittert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good ideas slightly obscured by the annoying jump between 1st and 3rd person.

[Peter Oussoren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for any teacher and anyone else who interacts with human beings!

[Martene Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teacher should read this book!! It's honest and practical.

[Jenni Balcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for educators, but helpful for those looking to make any sort of institutional change to benefit all races.

[Charlie Hoying · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for educators devoted to increasing racial equity and positive outcomes for all of their students. Also a great resource for anyone seeking to improve personally and professionally.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually not a bad book for something I had to read for a class. I got a lot of takeaways from it and will probably use some of the ideas in it in the future.

[Ms. G Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource that gives practical advice about how to tackle unconscious bias in our schools. Highly recommend.

[Laura Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Where there is discretion, there will be discrimination."
Every educator should read this one. A very practical look at racism & bias in school settings.

[Marie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read by anyone who is connected to school, whether that is as a parent, teacher, or principal.

[Heather Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Great intro to unlearning bias.