Why do teachers think that black and Hispanics students are inferior and assume they are going to do worse?

Answer 1

I've seen this first-hand as a teacher!!

Last year I had a black student that everyone told me was "low." She was also poor and had family members who really were low, which I think played into the stereotype as well.Apparently they'd never seen her reading, because the girl could read the pants off anyone. It hurt to think that no one ever looked at her as an individual to see how much potential she had.

This year I have a Hispanic student who transferred from another school. His old school wanted him tested for learning disorders, but he's performing slightly below grade level, which is pretty good for someone whose family speaks only Spanish at home. His only hindrance is in his language.

I think there really is a subconscious assumption that minorities won't achieve as well as white children. Part of this is because statistically they ARE trouble areas for many schools. I can't help but wonder if it's because we aren't giving them high enough expectations for them to reach.

I think you asked a great question. We'd all like to think we don't discriminate and assume negative things about our students, but it can and does happen.

Answer 2

What makes you believe that teachers think anything more than all students can learn and should be given the opportunity to do so? This is an extremely broad generalization, I don't think teachers, like any person, should be generalized. The only thing I see here is many Hispanics have a more difficult road to travel because of language issues. As a teacher the only students I would assume will do poorly are the ones who don't want to learn, and this is sad because most teacher, a great majority, want every student to reach their potential and be a productive and happy individual.

Answer 3

I am a teacher and I do not think this at all. I believe that the expectations that a teacher has for her students = the performance that you will get from the kids.

For example; if I think that you will fail then I would never call on you or expect anything from you.

If I think that you will succeed then I will call on you and expect the same work from you that I do from my brightest students. I expect the same of all of my students. I expect them all to be successful. Failing my class is not an option.

The Hispanics in my course almost always do an outstanding job. Of course I teach Spanish, so that may have something to do with it! When I have black students they are most often some of the best students that I have.

I do not believe that teachers are that bad at stereotyping. While some may do this, the majority do not.

Answer 4

Do NOT group all teachers together. It may be hard to realize, but each teacher is an individual. The majority of teachers do not feel this way. If you had a bad experience with one teacher, do not think that all are like that. Always give the benefit of the doubt.

Answer 5

because they're teachers and statistics show that asian people work the hardest, then white people, then black and hispanic (dont remember the order of the last two)
but that's just what i learned in math class last year, dont blame me for the statistics (wether theyre right or not)

Answer 6

most teachers dont think that. if any student doesnt apply themself they wont go very far. maybe u should concider that instead of just assuming everyone is racist

Answer 7

because they don't speak good English