Stereotypes and Student Achievement
Dr. Claude Steele of Columbia University has spent over 20 years asking questions about the persistent gap in achievement and retention between Black and Latino students, and white and Asian students. What he has found is that while it is tempting to say that students from underrepresented communities come in "unprepared," this explanation does not adequately account for the gap which persists even when first-generation status and socio-economic levels are taken out of the equation.
What does this mean for educators?
Dr. Steele found that students who are perceived as "minorities" are dramatically affected by the mere idea that at any moment they may be stereotyped and judged by the stereotype. Ironically, this effect is most dramatic among students who are the most academically capable, highly motivated, and even the least likely to believe they are affected by stereotypes. Dr. Steele calls this effect "Stereotype Threat," and as his research shows, it is a "Threat in the Air" which can depress the achievement and motivation of students with the most potential. Fortunately, subsequent research has shown that there are clear strategies that can help mitigate stereotype threat. (See "What Works for Students of Color.")
What does this mean for educators?
Dr. Steele found that students who are perceived as "minorities" are dramatically affected by the mere idea that at any moment they may be stereotyped and judged by the stereotype. Ironically, this effect is most dramatic among students who are the most academically capable, highly motivated, and even the least likely to believe they are affected by stereotypes. Dr. Steele calls this effect "Stereotype Threat," and as his research shows, it is a "Threat in the Air" which can depress the achievement and motivation of students with the most potential. Fortunately, subsequent research has shown that there are clear strategies that can help mitigate stereotype threat. (See "What Works for Students of Color.")
Here is a great short introduction to the topic:
"Whistling Vivaldi" and other resources
The Office of Diversity and Equity recommends Dr. Steele's book "Whistling Vivaldi and Other Clues to How Stereotypes Affect Us." (Norton, 2010) We have also organized Learning Communities of staff and faculty members who have agreed to read his book and talk about how to apply some of the concepts and strategies to their practice as educators. If you would like to become involved in a Whistling Vivaldi Learning Community, please contact Eileen Yoshina, Director of Diversity and Equity at [email protected].
To learn more, here are a few more resources on Stereotype Threat:
Reducing Stereotype Threat website
Interview with Dr. Claude Steele as part of PBS's "Secrets of the SAT"
Presentation on Stereotype Threat by SPSCC "Whistling Vivaldi" Learning Community:
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