Educational Stereotypes Made in United States, Essay Example

Introduction

This paper addresses the concept of stereotyping in the poor neighborhoods of the United States.  The essential discrimination between the more affluent white populace and the black and Hispanic groups of the country. The assertion is that the poor neighborhoods attract a lower quality of school and teacher and this reflects on the education of the non-white communities.

This Bed of Roses has Thorns: Cultural Assumptions and Community in an Elementary School

This research study examined the cultural assumptions that resulted in stereotyping within the communities. In addition to followed the experiences of students, parents and teachers in a small school elementary setting. The research explored the complex interaction between the different groups and illustrated how certain assumptions can have a detrimental impact on the quality of education.  The paper addresses the point that the lack of community spirit in schools is a major cause of increased violence in middle and elementary schools.  This has created a disconnect in the quality of services and education provided. As such this has become an increasing social problem that needs to be addressed. The situation seems to be worse in the poorer neighborhood schools. (Bushnell)

A threat in the air: How stereotypes shape intellectual identity and performance

This paper examines the theory of domain identification and the barriers that both women  and African Americans face  in Elementary schools. Consideration is made of the societal pressures that are maintained on certain ethnic groups and gender types. This type of stereotyping can impact both the quality and level of teaching in those poor elementary schools.  This classifying act has shown to considerably reduce the performance of Hispanic and black American students.        The research is examined from a viewpoint of standardized test performance. Poverty is considered a key factor and there is a need for policies that will address this and provide more informed and better quality of education for Hispanic students.  The need to boost enrolment could lessen the gap by up to 36% however there remains the challenge of funding the schools and attracting a higher quality of teachers to poor areas. In this regard public funding and government intervention is deemed appropriate if we are to address having a more equitable system  (Steele)

Works Cited

Bushnell, Mary. “This bed of roses has thorns: Cultural assumptions and communities in an elemtary school.” Anthropology and Education Quarterly Vol 32(2) (2001): 139-166.

Steele, C.N. “A threat in the air: How stereotypes shape intellectial identity and performance.” American Psychologist Vol 52(6) (1997): 613-629.