An Analysis of Bias in 10 Children's Books
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
15-5-2019
End Date
15-5-2019
Abstract
Public schools in the United States are experiencing a demographic shift. The students are more diverse while the teaching force is 90% White. There is a cultural mismatch in the schools. One major problem is the bias between race, age, and gender in children’s books. Students need to see themselves reflected in their teachers but also in the books they read. Through this project I will analyze ten children’s books to detect bias. Using the Washington Models for the Evaluation of Bias (2009) I will look for patterns and biases used inside children’s books that are discrete or obvious. Recommendations will be made to teachers, parents, and librarians about purchasing and adopting children’s books that are inclusive of the student’s experiences. Students need to have empowering and helpful books that teach equality, respect and justice. Annotated bibliographies will be distributed so that other teachers can begin to conduct their own original research with respect to biases in existing instructional materials. Through this process, teachers can inch closer to becoming culturally competent.
Recommended Citation
Seeman, Sierra, "An Analysis of Bias in 10 Children's Books" (2019). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 53.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2019/Oralpres/53
Department/Program
Education
An Analysis of Bias in 10 Children's Books
Ellensburg
Public schools in the United States are experiencing a demographic shift. The students are more diverse while the teaching force is 90% White. There is a cultural mismatch in the schools. One major problem is the bias between race, age, and gender in children’s books. Students need to see themselves reflected in their teachers but also in the books they read. Through this project I will analyze ten children’s books to detect bias. Using the Washington Models for the Evaluation of Bias (2009) I will look for patterns and biases used inside children’s books that are discrete or obvious. Recommendations will be made to teachers, parents, and librarians about purchasing and adopting children’s books that are inclusive of the student’s experiences. Students need to have empowering and helpful books that teach equality, respect and justice. Annotated bibliographies will be distributed so that other teachers can begin to conduct their own original research with respect to biases in existing instructional materials. Through this process, teachers can inch closer to becoming culturally competent.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2019/Oralpres/53
Faculty Mentor(s)
Susana Flores