How Racism Affects Minority Students in Public Schools

Institutional racism doesn’t just affect adults but children in K-12 schools as well. Anecdotes from families, research studies and discrimination lawsuits all reveal that children of color face bias in schools. They’re disciplined more harshly, less likely to be identified as gifted or to have access to quality teachers, to name but a few examples. Racism in schools has serious consequences—from fueling the school-to-prison pipeline to traumatizing children of color. Racial Disparities in Suspensions Persist Even in Preschool Black students are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled than their white peers, according to the U.S. Department of Education. And in the American South, racial disparities in punitive discipline are even greater. A 2016 report from the University of Pennsylvania, Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education, found that 13 Southern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia) were responsible for 55 percent of the 1.2 million suspensions involving black students nationwide. These states also accounted for 50 percent of expulsions involving black students nationally, according to the report, â€Å"Disproportionate Impact of K-12 School Suspension and Expulsion on Black Students in Southern States.† The finding most indicative of racial bias is that in 84 Southern school districts, 100 percent of students suspended were black. And grade school students aren’t the only black children facing harsh forms of school discipline. Even black preschool students are more likely to be suspended than students of other races, the U.S. Department of Education found. The agency reported that while blacks make up just 18 percent of children in preschool, they represent nearly half of preschool children suspended. â€Å"I think most people would be shocked that those numbers would be true in preschool because we think of 4- and 5-years-olds as being innocent,† Judith Browne Dianis, co-director of think tank the Advancement Project told CBS News about the finding. â€Å"But we do know that schools are using zero-tolerance policies for our youngest also, that while we think our children need a head start, schools are kicking them out instead.† Preschool children sometimes engage in troublesome behavior such as kicking, hitting and biting, but quality preschools have behavior intervention plans in place to counter these forms of acting out. Furthermore, it’s highly unlikely that only black children act out in preschool, a stage in life in which kids are notorious for having temper tantrums. Given how black preschoolers are disproportionately targeted for suspensions, it’s very likely that race plays a role in which children teachers single out for punitive discipline. In fact, a study published in Psychological Science in 2016 suggests that whites begin to perceive black boys as threatening at just 5 years old, associating them with adjectives such as â€Å"violent,† â€Å"dangerous,† â€Å"hostile† and â€Å"aggressive.† The negative racial biases black children face, and the correlated high suspension rates result in African American children missing a great deal of school. This can lead to them falling behind academically, including not reading at grade level by third grade, and eventually dropping out of school. Pushing children out of class increases the chances that they will have contact with the criminal justice system. And a 2015 study published on children and suicide suggested that punitive discipline may be one of the reasons suicides among black boys are rising. Of course, black boys aren’t the only African American children targeted for punitive discipline in school. Black girls are more likely than all other female students (and some groups of boys) to be suspended or expelled as well. Minority Children Less Likely to Be Identified as Gifted Poor children and children from minority groups are not only less likely to be identified as gifted and talented but more likely to be identified as requiring special education services by teachers. A 2016 report published by the American Educational Research Association found that black third graders are half as likely as whites to participate in gifted and talented programs. Authored by Vanderbilt University scholars Jason Grissom and Christopher Redding, the report, â€Å"Discretion and Disproportionality: Explaining the Underrepresentation of High-Achieving Students of Color in Gifted Programs,† also found that Hispanic students were also about half as likely as whites to be involved in gifted programs. Why does this imply that racial bias is at play and those white students aren’t just naturally more gifted than children of color? Because when children of color have teachers of color, the chances are higher that they will be identified as gifted. This indicates that white teachers largely overlook giftedness in black and brown children. Identifying a student as gifted involves a number of considerations. Gifted children may not have the best grades in the class. In fact, they may be bored in class and underachieve as a result. But standardized test scores, portfolios of schoolwork and the ability of such children to tackle complex subjects despite tuning out in class may all be signs of giftedness. When the school district in Broward County, Florida, changed the screening criteria for identifying gifted children, officials found that the number of gifted students in all racial groups rose. Rather than rely on teacher or parent referrals for the gifted program, Broward County used a universal screening process that required that all second graders take a nonverbal test to identify them as gifted. Nonverbal tests are said to be more objective measures of giftedness than verbal tests, especially for English language learners or children who don’t use Standard English. Students who scored well on the test then moved on to I.Q. tests (which also face allegations of bias). Using the nonverbal test in combination with the I.Q. test led to the number of black and Hispanic students in the program tripling from 1 to 3 percent and 2 to 6 percent, respectively. Students of Color Less Likely to Have Qualified Teachers A mountain of research has found that poor black and brown children are the youth least likely to have highly qualified teachers. A study published in 2015 called â€Å"Uneven Playing Field? Assessing the Teacher Quality Gap Between Advantaged and Disadvantaged Students† found that in Washington, black, Hispanic and Native American youth were most likely to have teachers with the least amount of experience, the worst licensure exam scores and the poorest record of improving student test scores. Related research has found that black, Hispanic and Native American youth have less access to honors and advanced placement (AP) classes than white youth do. In particular, they are less likely to enroll in advanced science and math classes. This can reduce their chances of being admitted to a four-year college, many of which require completion of at least one high-level math class for admission. Other Ways Students of Color Face Inequalities Not only are students of color least likely to be identified as gifted and enroll in honors classes, but they are also more likely to attend schools with a greater police presence, increasing the odds that they will enter the criminal justice system. The presence of law enforcement on school campuses also increases the risk of such students being exposed to police violence. Recordings of school police slamming girls of color to the ground during altercations have recently sparked outrage across the nation. Students of color face racial microaggressions in schools as well, such as being criticized by teachers and administrators for wearing their hair in styles that reflect their cultural heritage. Both black students and Native American students have been reprimanded in schools for wearing their hair in its natural state or in braided styles. Worsening matters is that public schools are increasingly segregated, more than they were in the 1970s. Black and brown students are most likely to attend schools with other black and brown students. Poor students are most likely to attend schools with other poor students. As the nation’s racial demographics shift, these disparities pose serious risks to America’s future. Students of color comprise a growing share of public school students. If the United States is to remain a world superpower for generations, it’s incumbent upon Americans to ensure that disadvantaged students and those from ethnic minority groups receive the same standard of education that privileged students do.

Confucianism And Daoism As Forms Of Philosophy And Religion

While Confucianism and Daoism as forms of philosophy and religion differ on many levels they share some level of basic similarities of understanding in the world. Surprisingly, in comparison to teachings in other religions, neither of these two religions have a creation myth in the traditional sense but instead believe that in the â€Å"state of â€Å"undifferentiated chaos†Ã¢â‚¬  (IWR, 280) that was all of existence, â€Å"two polar yet complementary energies known as qi (â€Å"breath†, â€Å"energy†, or â€Å"force†)† (IWR 280) had risen from it: yin and yang; continuously interacting and residing in most things in existence. One could not exist without the other, as they are what the other is not and are in a constant state of change. This concept had come to represent all things in existence that could be seen as binary, for instance hot and cold or day and night, but even though they are opposites they are still connected to each other and ev erything is still connected to the cosmos itself (IWR, 280). Humans are no different in the sense that yin and yang make up the physical manifestation that is the human body, though the immaterial self is made up of another binary: hun (representative of yang, purity, and upward-rising) and po (representative of yin, turgidity, and downward-sinking) (IWR, 281); once a person dies then both hun an po depart from the body to again be a part of future beings. As can be seen, both Confucianism and Daoism recognize and emphasize a â€Å"bipolar and complementary view† (IWR,Show MoreRelatedComparing Daoism and Confucianism681 Words   |  3 PagesYou can compare Daoism and Confucianism to yin and yang because they complement each other. Daoism and Confucianism coexist as complementary value classifications in East Asian societies. Unlike Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, in which these religions were developed in East Asia, Daoism and Confucianism grew mainly in China. Although the se religions grew from similar roots, they both still have different emphases. Daoism also known as Taoism, was a philosophical and radical text written by LaoziRead MoreInfluences of China Essay698 Words   |  3 Pages Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism To understand China’s current government you need to look at its influences. Daoism involves a deep acceptance of the rhythms of nature and the way of all things (World Religions); which effects people’s personal beliefs and is one of China’s main religions. Confucianism helped pave the way for communism and still is a powerful philosophy today. The ideas of Legalism directly affect the Chinese government. Despite the fact that modern China is one of the largestRead MoreLegalism, Taoism, and Confucianism in Ancient China1049 Words   |  4 PagesLegalism, Taoism, and Confucianism in Ancient China Philosophies dictate the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of individuals or groups, even entire civilizations. Since the beginning of time there has been great debate among men over which philosophies to live life by. The list of philosophies that exist in the world today is nearly endless, making it difficult to decide which one is the most suitable to live by. Ancient China was arguably among one of the most philosophical culturesRead MoreThe Religious Traditions Of The East Are All Older Than Western Religions1743 Words   |  7 Pagesworld and the â€Å"hope† they offer their followers. Their traditions and beliefs are different than in the west. The four major religious traditions in the East are all older than western religions. 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Legalism was a more harsh way of ruling, ledRead MoreEvaluate the Changes and Continuities in the Role of Religion in Chinese Society from 600 to 1450.1043 Words   |  5 Pagesto various religions. At different times different dynasties endorsed certain religions while repressing others. While Buddhism flourished during the Sui and Tang dynasty, it faced opposition from the government during th e Song dynasty. Confucianism lost government endorsement during the Sui and Tang but gained momentum during the Song as Neo-Confucianism. Yuan dynasty promoted Islam and Tibet Buddhism but ignored Confucianism. Different rulers sponsored and protected different religions but ConfucianismRead MoreThe Origins Of Chinese Civilization Essay951 Words   |  4 Pagesdynasty retained the rituals and practices for the of worship, and it’s been continued through dynasties. In fact, it is still alive till today and is deeply rooted in the China. 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Laozi explains what self-so may mean when he tells his followers to â€Å"open yourself to the Tao, then trust your natural responses; and everything will fall into place.† As Robert Eno, Associate Professor of Early Chinese History and Thought at Indiana University, puts it, â€Å"The inhabitants of the Natural world are ‘self-so,’ they simply are as theyRead MoreThe Influence of Ancient Chinese Philosophies such as Confucianism, Legalism and Daoism 2337 Words   |  10 PagesThrough the whole of history’s existence, religions, philosophies and personal belief systems have been around to shape and mold life into what it is today. Religions all around the world have their own belief systems, sometimes even more than one. And though one religion or philosophy may develop in a specific corner of the world, there is always at least two paths they could travel. A system can either remain personally sacred to the founders, themselves, or it may become a popular belief to otherRead MoreEssay on The Great Encounter of China and the West1511 Words   |  7 Pageslook at the religion that the European missionaries were preaching about, Christianity. On the other end, the Europeans who came in contact with the Chinese were fascinated by their culture and their philosophy, mainly the philosophy of Confucius. While the two cultures seemed to be a good match, each respecting and admiring the other, it came to an abrupt halt. The end result was China and Europe both rejecting the other culture. During the 1500-1800s many of the Western religions sent over many

The Concept of Total War Free Essays

The period between 1914-1918, or most commonly known as World War I, is historically significant. Aside from its unforgettable aftermath wherein a number of casualties and various war damages were recorded, World War I also paved the way for the emergence of the concept of total war. It is through this total war that the series of wars that followed within the international system based their strategies and learning experiences making the subsequent conflicts a lot worse. We will write a custom essay sample on The Concept of Total War or any similar topic only for you Order Now Total War, according to Stephen Badsey, is considered as the â€Å"organization of entire societies for war in social, economic, and even spiritual sense† (Badsey n. ). It is a war strategy wherein combatants forcibly involved properties, lands, and attenuate the vulnerable civilians or non-combatants in their struggle against the enemies instead of just focusing on conquering their military targets. Basically, it is an armed force waged using all national power, human strength and material goods, considering that the traditional presence of big battalions are insufficient without the â€Å"Home Front† support (Kiraly 15). This movement showed tremendous effects in the country’s populace and showed social changes. The economy of states involved in total war is strictly controlled to monitor and regulate the flow of money and where finances are utilized. Moreover, through the influence of media and nationalistic propaganda, the citizens are moved to strengthen their support for the total war (Schmiechen 459). As stated earlier, the First World War gauged the intensity of the wars after it. Because of the tragedy caused by World War I, many citizens became very suspicious and fearful of their surroundings and the eventualities around them. The American public is no exemption to this escalating fear and apprehension with the actions and decisions done by their country either domestically or internationally. Post – World War I As eventful as the World War I, the Great Depression of 1929 – 1933 sson took place. It was also known as the Global Economic Slump wherein the Wall Street stock market crash affected the American financial system (Baylis Smith 57). Because of this economic depression, many Americans feared a massive social consequence manifested in a surge of unemployment. Unemployment was perceived as USA’s primary enemy because it resulted to a number of impoverished families suffering because of the collapse in the market (Baylis Smith 59). Different reactions emerged during this period including the government’s economic response by pursuing protectionism and avoid importing products from other countries. The period of depression ended with the emergence of World War II. Supposedly, the years 1939-1945 should relieve the American society from the economic slump it previously experienced, however, circumstances worsen as conflict escalates among the involved factions in the war. One of the domestic enemies America experienced during this period was the massive influx of immigrants from different parts of Europe. This is a manifestation of the escalating civil war among the different Western countries. As a response to this, US modified its migration quota system to filter out desirable citizens to enter their land. Immigrants from Great Britain and Ireland were awarded generous qoutas as compared to Russians and Italians as they were affiliated with the emerging powerful satellite group, the Soviet Union, threatening the American democratic system (â€Å"Immigration Through Time†). After World War II, the Cold War era, from 1945-1990 followed. It was a war between two â€Å"Superpowers,† the United States of America and the Soviet Union (Baylis Smith 72). Many proxy wars in the Third World took place during this period, dragging countries all over the world in the war and dividing them between the two superpowers. The emerging power of USSR threatened the American society as the manifestation of communism is felt world wide and even domestically. The eventualities during the Cuban missile crisis triggered greater military threat in the country as the Soviet Union is believed to be keeping weapons of mass destruction. America reacted in this situation by entering the global battlefield with the USSR and pursued an arms race (Baylis Smith 81). By the end of the cold war period, USA emerged as the most powerful country and helped some European countries rehabilitate the damages of war. The country continued to emerge as a powerful country wherein they are perceived as primary trade partners world wide. However, in the post 9/11 period, American society placed the blame to the Twin Tower tragedy to the terrorists who were considered as â€Å"the axis of evil† which includes some rogue states in West Asia (Chenoy 13). As a preemptive response by the present administration, they pursued counter-terrorism campaign and established the â€Å"coalition of the willing† to overcome acts of terrorism world wide (Schifferes n. p). The periods of conflict that America experienced over the years showed how the public is very much affected. From the Great Depression and the fear of unemployment, World War II and the problem on undesirable immigrants, the Cold War era and the emergence of communism, and post 9/11 period with the threats of terrorism, the American public is imparted with so much problems and enemies both domestically and internationally which greatly affects the country’s internal affairs and national interest to pursue. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the government to ensure that the public interest is taken into consideration in their policy-making to assure the security and safety of their citizens. How to cite The Concept of Total War, Papers