St. Catherine University
SOPHIA
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research
Papers
Education
5-2019
The Relationship Between Anti-Bias Curriculum
and Cultural Competency Among Middle School
Students
Nicole Conyers
St. Catherine University
Follow this and additional works at: http://sophia.stkate.edu/maed
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Recommended Citation
Conyers, Nicole. (2019). The Relationship Between Anti-Bias Curriculum and Cultural Competency Among Middle School Students.
Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: http://sophia.stkate.edu/maed/295
Running Head: CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Relationship Between Anti-Bias Curriculum and Cultural Competency Among Middle
School Students
Submitted on May 13, 2019
in fulfillment of final requirements for the MAED degree
Nicole Conyers
St. Catherine University
St. Paul, Minnesota
Advisor:
Date 5-15-19
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
2
Abstract
Implementation of an anti-bias education framework is relatively new in the history of cultural
competence movements. While some research has been done, sighting positive effects for K-12
students, few studies exist within the Montessori pedagogy. Furthermore, little research has been
done in the effects of implementing this type of curriculum within a Montessori adolescent
environment. Consequently, there is a need to gather information on effective anti-bias education
best practices and how to introduce these strategies in a classroom environment. The purpose of
this action research study is to explore how implementing anti-bias activities including literature,
journaling, and Socratic discussions, affects students’ cultural proficiency in a Montessori
Middle School .
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
3
Maria Montessori, Italian physician and educator, created a hands-on method of
education that looked at each child not only through an academic lens, but nurtured their social,
emotional, and spiritual growth. Credited by many as the founder of peace education,
Montessori believed that the roots of creating peace on Earth are developed through the
education we provide to children. Montessori (1947) believed only through intentionally
teaching children about global citizenship, a respect for diversity, and personal responsibility
toward correcting social injustices could world peace ever be achieved. In her study of the
development of children, she found that adolescents were in the plane of social justice as they
demonstrated strong interest in issues of injustice and finding ways to solve these problems. As a
result, Montessori subsequently designed learning opportunities to engage adolescents in
developing their role in the world.
Several broad movements over the last 70 years in general education have taken place to
help students gain a deeper understanding of culture. Historically, these movements have taken
on many forms. From the desegregation of the 1950’s, the equal rights movement in the 1960’s,
multiculturalism in the 1970’s, a shift to diversity in the 1980’s, a focus on cultural competence
in the 1990’s, and finally the current focus on anti-bias education and cultural proficiency. The
term culture has come to include far more than ethnic or racial differences, but to encompass age,
gender, language, sexual orientation, faith, and physical abilities. (Lindsey, Nuri-Robins, Terrell,
Lindsey; 2019).
In creating an authentic Montessori adolescent environment, it is important for the
curriculum to follow an anti-bias education framework, to be in alignment with Montessori
philosophy and to meet the needs of the students these programs serve. Observations of students
ages 12-14 in my Montessori adolescent environment have made me profoundly aware of
adolescents’ strong desire to learn about issues relating to anti-bias education: from social
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
4
injustice to self-identification. Introducing meaningful curriculum, through age-appropriate
literature, art, and weekly Socratic discourse (the dialogue between two or more people on
philosophical or moral problems) may allow students a platform to learn about cultural identities,
self-identification, and issues related to social justice.
Review of Literature
Learning to be a culturally proficient member of society is an important component of
children’s education. Lindsey, Robins, and Terrell’s (2019) review the six points of the cultural
proficiency continuum: cultural destructiveness, cultural incapacity, cultural blindness, cultural
pre-competence, cultural competence, and cultural proficiency, with cultural proficiency being
defined as the ability to respond in a variety of cultural settings to issues raised by diversity (p.8).
According to Lindsey et al. (2003),
Culturally proficient people may not know all there is to know about others who are
different from them, but they know how to take advantage of teachable moments, how to
ask questions without offending, and how to create an environment that is welcoming of
diversity and change (p. 121).
Kuh, LeeKeenan, Given, and Beneke (2016) write the ability to respect a range of human
differences gives people the tools to recognize unfairness and bias and can encourage people to
speak up for the rights of others.
The goal of cultural proficiency has not always been at the forefront of education. Many
classrooms had and still do have a cultural blindness or cultural pre-competence approach to
diversity (Doucet and Adair, 2013; Kuh, et al. 2016; Lindsey, et al., 2003). Doucet and Adair
(2013) write two of the most common ways of including the topic of race in classrooms is the
color-blind approach or the celebration of diversity approach.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
5
The color-blind approach places an emphasis on sameness or the idea that what people
have in common matters more than the differences. Silencing conversations about differences
misleads children into thinking that there is something wrong with diversity (p. 89-90) and can
exacerbate oppression (Kemple, Lee, & Harris, 2015, p. 95). According to Doucet and Adiar
(2013),
“There is no evidence that ignoring visible differences benefits anyone. People’s
histories—their ethnic backgrounds, national origins, religious legacies, racial
heritages—are an important part of their identities. Silencing talk about difference may
mislead children to thinking there is something wrong with the wonderful diversity in the
world” (p. 90).
Many adults assume that young children are color-blind, however, studies have proven that
children notice racial cues as early as six months old and by age three or four have a rudimentary
concept of race (Lee, Ramcey, & Sweeney, 2008, p. 68).
The celebration of diversity approach is the other most commonly used approach. This
approach aims to celebrate diversity through stories and special celebrations and is also known as
the “tourist curriculum.” This approach fosters the idea that diversity is not part of everyday life
but is something separate. It only focuses on the joys of differences, while ignoring bias and
oppression (Doucet and Adair, 2013, p. 90). Banks (2013) echoes the problems with the “Heroes
and Holidays” approach stating that ethnic content remains separate and distinct from the
mainstream curriculum (p. 74).
To educate culturally proficient students, research agrees that an anti-bias approach must
be taken. Anti-bias education requires more than implementing a few activities. It is a way of
teaching that supports children to develop a sense of identity in a diverse society (Kuh, et al.,
2016, p. 58). Marulis (2000) writes an effective anti-bias curriculum is immersive and woven
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
6
into all areas of the classroom and curriculum (p. 27). Linking anti-bias ideas to all subject
materials teaches children to be assertive against prejudice and discrimination (Byrnes & Kiger,
2005, p. 370; Killoran et al., 2004, p. 150).
Current research on anti-bias education supports an immersive curriculum spanning all
disciplines which includes topics such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, family structure, and
abilities. Topics can be introduced through students’ observations or interests in both historical
and current events (Kuh, et al. 2016, p. 58). Kuh and her colleagues (2016) recommend a
framework for anti-bias teaching that they used in their 2015 study of one pre-K, one
kindergarten, and one first and second grade classroom. First, teachers gather baseline data and
entry points through watching children’s play and conversations and reviewing current events.
Secondly, the teacher self-reflects on personal feeling about the topic, being sure to uncover any
biases. Then, the teacher plans a meaningful activity to explore with the students. The teacher
then responds and shares the outcome, making necessary adjustments during a post-activity
reflection (p. 59). Kuh and her colleagues found this method of implementation effective and
discovered that the students demonstrated more knowledge about race, ethnicity, and gender
after the curriculum had been implemented. Additionally, Kuh et al. found that building a
community of support and trust was necessary to facilitate this work. Doucet and Adair (2013)
also write that dialog about anti-bias topics require a community of trust, listening and
questioning, honesty, preparation and knowledge from the teacher, and an involvement of the
family and community (p. 90-91). Using students’ personal and cultural knowledge will enrich
the curriculum (Hyland, 2010, p. 83).
Researchers have used discussion or dialog, literature, art activities, games, puzzles, and
role play to facilitate student learning in anti-bias topics (Doucet and Adair, 2013; Killoran, et al.
2004; Kuh, et al. 2016; Marulis, 2000). Studies have demonstrated that encouraged with
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
7
meaningful discussion and questions, students begin to express, compare, and challenge their
own views (Lee et al., 2008, p. 69). A study conducted in an early childhood environment by
Lee, et al. (2008) found that art activities such as drawing self-portraits and discussing skin tones
eventually led to students’ awareness of differences and responding to a variety of skin tone
colors in a more positive way (p. 72). Studies by Lee, et al. (2008), Kemple, et al. (2015), and
Killoran, et al. (2004) all saw positive results such as a greater understanding of racial
terminology and bias though utilizing literature for anti-bias topics and discussion. Killoran, et
al. (2004) implemented each text through a series of steps: 1) Class discussion reviewing what
students already know about a particular equity issue, 2) Probe the students to question their
reactions and stereotypes, 3) Examine overt types of discrimination, 4) Find hidden
discrimination, and 5) Empower students to take action in a situation they could change (p. 152).
The steps followed by Killoran, et al. allow students to examine their previous knowledge and
empower students to understand bias and discrimination and effect change in their community.
Similar to Killoran’s (2004) steps, Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty
Law Center (2014) published an anti-bias framework to be used in K-12 education. The anti-bias
framework includes a set of standards and age appropriate learning outcomes that are divided
into four domains: identity, diversity, justice and action. Teachers can use the twenty standards
within the four domains to guide curriculum development.
Many current research studies focus on early childhood students. There seems to be less
research available for the implementation and effects of an anti-bias curriculum with adolescents.
To gain a complete understanding of anti-bias education, it is necessary to conduct a study that
examines the effects of anti-bias instruction on students past early childhood. It is important to
understand how to best facilitate understanding about crucial topics like race, ethnicity, gender,
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
8
socio-economic class, etc. to educate adolescents to become culturally proficient members of
society.
Methodology
This study collected various forms of qualitative data including classroom observations,
student journals, teacher journals, and transcripts of student discussions. Analysis of students’
written responses to prompts were utilized in the interest of triangulation. Pre and post-
assessments were presented in the form of Likert scales, gauging student understanding about
cultural competence issues.
The population for this action research study was four seventh grade and six eighth grade
students enrolled at a small private Montessori middle school located in the southwestern United
States. The sample featured 4 males and 6 females. The middle school classroom was self-
contained, meaning the two teachers teach all curriculum areas within one classroom
environment.
Pre and post-assessments in the form of Likert scales were administered at the beginning
and end of the study (Appendix A). The questions on the Likert scale allowed students to choose
if they strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with twenty statements related to
cultural componence. Prior to implementing the anti-bias curriculum, the teacher also took
classroom notes detailing observations related to students demonstrating skills associated with
anti-bias or cultural competence or a lack thereof.
Throughout the action research study, transcripts of student discussions were kept. After
each activity, students wrote in individual journals and were asked to answer a series of prompts
(Appendix B). Room for open-ended journaling was also allowed. The teacher recorded notes in
a teacher journal after each activity using a series of pre-determined prompts and space for open-
ended reflection. Students’ written responses were analyzed and coded using a pre-determined
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
9
coding system. Codes included: incorrect use of cultural terminology, correct use of cultural
terminology, and student posed question.
Anti-bias activities were chosen based on the needs identified from the student pre-
assessment and teachers’ observations before the study began. For example, one theme that was
common among many students was lack of knowledge about racial identification. To address
this, culturally responsive literature and discussion was planned as part of the language
curriculum for a period of four weeks. Each day, a reading sample was presented to the students.
After having a day to read and reflect on the passage independently, the students came together
for a group discussion. Students were given an opportunity to share their initial thoughts. Then,
the circle was open for discussion. Each discussion lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes and
took place three days a week. Common themes among student responses were recorded on the
board. After the discussion, journal prompts were provided, and students reflected on their
understanding of the text and the discussion. The researcher reviewed the student journals at the
end of each activity and used common themes to inform the choice of the next activity.
Data Analysis
The raw data was in the form of student journal entries, teacher journal entries, pre and
post assessment in the form of a Likert scale, and transcriptions of student discussions. The
researcher systematically identified a series of discrete categories for the student journal entries
and transcriptions of student discussions, which were based upon themes that emerged from the
pre-assessment given at the beginning of the study. Each piece of data was highlighted and
placed into the appropriate category. Data pieces that covered more than one category were
recorded in each category. The pre and post assessment results were quantitatively analyzed by
utilizing a data table to look for trends. Finally, the results of coding the journal entries and
transcripts of student discussions were transcribed and given to an external source for a final
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
10
review to assure triangulation and their feedback allowed for final adjustments in the coding to
be made. This data was compared to the pre and post assessment data to inform the research
findings.
Research Findings
The purpose of this study was to identify the extent that anti-bias curriculum affects
students’ understanding of culture and to what extent students’ progress on the cultural
proficiency continuum would change after completing anti-bias activities. The research design
was descriptive and a journal with a series of open-ended prompts was used to gather
information about the students’ concept of culture and how they self-identify. A pre-assessment
and post-assessment using a Likert scale gauged students’ understanding of race, ethnicity,
religion, and gender.
The subjects for this study were middle school students enrolled in a self-contained
Montessori middle school program at small private Montessori school in the southwestern
United States. The classroom was composed of ten students and two teachers. Students remained
in the same classroom all day with the two teachers serving as generalists (teaching all subject
areas). Participants included 6 female and 4 male students. Table 1 describes how the students
self-identify by race. Some students struggled to identify by race or felt that the racial categories
listed did not reflect how they identify.
Race/Ethnicity
7th Grade Students
8th Grade Students
Hispanic or Latino or
Spanish origin of any race
1
2
American Indian or Alaskan
0
0
Asian
0
1
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
11
Native Hawaiian or other
Pacific Islander
0
0
Black or African American
0
0
White
2
0
Two or More Races
1
3
Table 1: Sample Demographics
Understanding of Culture
The first research question that this study addressed was to what extent anti-bias
curriculum affected students’ understanding of culture. To answer this question the researcher
began with a pre-assessment gauging students’ understanding of topics including race, ethnicity,
religion, gender and self-identification (Appendix A). For example, one statement read “I know
which racial group(s) with which I identify.” Another statement read: “I am comfortable talking
about race.” Students were asked to select from the following choices: strongly agree, agree,
disagree, and strongly disagree for the twenty statements on the pre-assessment. This data (see
Table 2), collected in week one, was used to inform teacher lesson planning.
In weeks two through six, anti-bias activities were implemented as a regular part of the
curriculum as recommended by current best practices in anti-bias education. For example, during
language arts class, literature with an anti-bias theme was utilized as a regular part of class
reading and discussion. During each discussion, notes were transcribed of students’ comments
during the whole class discussion. After each discussion, both the teacher and students were
given a set of journal prompts. A set of fixed prompts remained the same after each discussion
and some additional open-ended prompts were added as pertained specifically to that day’s
discussion. The students recorded their answers in composition notebooks. The journal entries
were copied, and key ideas were highlighted in their responses, coded, and counted.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
12
Cultural Proficiency
The second research question was to what extent will students’ placement on the cultural
proficiency continuum change after completing the anti-bias activities. To answer this question,
the post-assessment on cultural proficiency was compared to the pre-assessment given at the
beginning of the study. The post-assessment had the same twenty statements as the pre-
assessment and asked the student to choose strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree
with each statement. This data allowed the researcher to determine if there were any differences
from the beginning to the end of the study and to determine if the anti-bias activities had any
effect on the student’s view of their own cultural proficiency.1
The teacher’s journal and transcription of student discussions were coded for key
concepts and counted. This data established trends in students’ understanding of anti-bias terms
and culture as well as students’ comfort in talking about anti-bias issues. It is difficult to come to
conclusions due to the small student cohort and the absence of two students at the conclusion of
the study. However, some trends from the data did emerge. More students communicated
through written response and classroom Socratic discussion that they felt more comfortable
talking about self-identification after completing the anti-bias activities than they had before
beginning the study.
Key:
Pre-Assessment Data
Post-Assessment Data
Statement
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
I know which racial group(s) with which I
identify.
3
4
5
3
2
1
0
0
I know which ethnicity(ies) with which I
identify.
2
4
7
4
1
0
0
0
I know which religion with which I identify.
6
5
3
2
1
1
0
0
I understand that there are different socio-
economic groups.
3
4
5
4
0
0
1
0
1 The pronoun their is used to refer to students in both the singular and plural in alignment with cultural competency
standards.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
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I know which gender with which I identify.
9
7
0
0
1
1
0
0
I evaluate my use of language to avoid
terms or phrases that may be hurtful to
groups of people.
4
3
5
5
0
0
0
0
I avoid stereotyping or generalizing other
people based on their group identity.
5
3
5
5
0
0
0
0
I worry about using the wrong term to
identify someone.
7
5
2
3
1
0
0
0
I am comfortable talking about race.
4
2
4
4
1
2
0
0
I am comfortable talking about religion.
3
3
4
3
2
2
1
0
I am comfortable talking about gender.
4
4
1
0
4
3
1
1
I am comfortable talking about socio-
economic class.
1
4
6
0
2
3
2
1
I value cultural differences and avoid
statements such as “I never think of you as
___” which discredits differences.
5
4
3
4
1
0
0
0
I am comfortable discussing the issues of
racism and other forms of prejudice with
others.
7
5
2
2
1
1
0
0
I am open to other people’s feedback about
ways in which my behavior may be
culturally insensitive or offensive to others.
0
4
9
4
1
0
0
0
When other people use hurtful language and
behavior regarding a person’s identity, I feel
comfortable speaking up, asking them to
stop and stating my reasons.
5
5
4
2
1
1
0
0
My family and I talk about issues regarding
race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or socio-
economic class.
3
4
2
1
4
1
1
1
I feel accepted by my peers in how I self-
identify.
1
5
8
1
1
2
0
0
I have felt stereotyped or judged based on
how I self-identify.
1
1
3
1
4
3
2
3
I feel happy about the groups with which I
identify.
7
6
2
2
1
0
0
0
Table 2: Pre and Post-Assessment Results
*2 students were absent during the post-assessment.
Students were asked at the conclusion of the study to offer comments about the anti-bias
lessons and study of culture we had completed over the course of the six weeks. Some comments
from student journals included:
• I am concerned about the use of hurtful language related to the LGBTQ community.
• I didn’t know culture and self-identification was that involved. The Iceberg Model was an
interesting way to look at culture.
• I feel like I need to know more. It’s way more complicated than I thought.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
14
• I feel like I learned more about racism and that saying certain things can really hurt
someone.
• I learned a lot about discrimination based on race.
• I could see myself in many of the stories we read.
These comments showed interest in cultural competency and engagement in learning more about
the topics we had studied thus far.
Action Plan
The purpose of this action research project was to understand the effects on seventh and
eighth grade students’ cultural proficiency by implementing anti-bias activities throughout the
existing Montessori seventh and eighth grade curriculum. It was hoped that if this goal was
achieved, students would view themselves as more culturally competent individuals, display a
greater understanding of self-identification and the ways in which people can self-identify with
regards to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, etc. Additionally, an aim was to empower students to
discuss difficult topics such as racism or sexism and help students find ways to advocate for an
anti-bias community.
As outlined above, students were introduced to literature as part of the language arts
curriculum that was heavily focused on anti-bias or cultural competency topics and lessons and
Socratic discourse on cultural competence as part of the health and wellness curriculum. With
the many competing demands on both the teacher and middle school students, as well as the
recommendations from research, it was important that the activities were interwoven into the
existing curriculum for two reasons. First, it placed no additional work or special assignments on
the students’ already rigorous academic work load. Secondly, it emphasized the importance of
anti-bias work and cultural competency throughout the school day, and not something that was a
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
15
separate study. In this way, students were exposed to examples of anti-bias work, cultural
competence, and social justice, either formally or informally, on a daily basis.
Logistics associated with implementing anti-bias activities into the existing middle school
curriculum need to be considered. There is the question of how much time is required to add or
exchange literature activities and prepare lessons and Socratic seminar work that is relevant and
engaging for the middle school student population. Time was needed prior to the start of this
study, especially in regard to vetting appropriate literature that both met the Language Arts
curriculum standards and the cultural competence aims. See Appendix C for a list of literature
used in this study. It is also important to note that literature and activities were chosen based
upon the students’ initial cultural competence assessment and teacher observations. However,
once literature is chosen and study guides and reflection questions created, it will not be very
time intensive to implement the same activities with future groups of students. As all activities
met other curriculum standards, no additional classroom time was needed for students to
complete the activities.
As the project progressed, I became curious about students’ willingness to dialogue and
share with other students and the possible correlation to the sense of connection each student had
to the middle school community. Most students who were part of this study have been students at
the school for several years and eight out of 10 students have been in a classroom where I have
taught for five to seven years. How much did feeling a sense of community and connection to
other students and teachers impact engagement and ultimately cultural competency growth? As
the research suggested, an environment of safety and openness must first be created before
engaging in anti-bias work. According to Kay (2018),
Successful race conversations depend on a very specific ecosystem. As teachers, our
biggest mistake is undervaluing any of the many elements that might, on their surface,
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
16
seem inconsequential—but that turn out to be vital for our discourses’ survival. Without
healthy classroom relationships and sound conversational structures, race conversations
cannot thrive (p. 13).
The space we have fostered over several years created an environment of safety and openness
that may have increased the likelihood that students would bravely and willingly engage in anti-
bias and self-reflection work. Had I not had a classroom of students that was already so closely
bonded, I do not believe I would have been able to implement the lessons I created as part of this
study without first spending a significant amount of time in trust and relationship building.
Reflecting back on the lessons and guided discussions, there was excitement and
engagement from the group of students in this study. All students were eager to learn about all
aspects of cultural identity and seemed unafraid to ask sometimes difficult questions. For
example, “How do I support a friend who is coming out?” “If my mom is white and my dad as
black, can I self-identify as black or do I have to say bi-racial?” All of these discussions
challenged me as a teacher and a person continuously working through my own biases and
cultural competence. Students also seemed more engaged with literature in which they could see
parts of their own story within the main characters. One student remarked after reading I Am Not
Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (Sanchez, 2017), “This is the most relatable book I’ve ever
read.” After seeing how empowering it was for students to see main characters that represented
a wide range of identities, I will continue to look for additional literature and cultivate a yearlong
language arts curriculum that includes culturally responsive literature. Future action research
could focus on the effects of implementing anti-bias activities throughout the entire two-year
middle school curriculum and an emphasis on empowering students to engage and advocate for
social justice issues.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
17
The use of the pre and post-assessment to gauge understanding of cultural competence
topics like race, ethnicity, etc. did not as easily gauge a student’s understanding of each topic as I
had hoped. This data coupled with teacher observations, however, was enlightening. For
example, all students answered that they strongly agreed or agreed to the following statement: I
evaluate my use of language to avoid terms or phrases that may be hurtful to groups of people.
Although students found this to be true for themselves, teacher observation notes detailed several
times in which a student unintentionally used a word that was not correct in describing an
identity. Therefore, both data points were important in determining the lessons that were
necessary for this group of students. For future use, I would like to edit the survey statements, so
they align with the twenty learning outcomes in the Teaching Tolerance Social Justice Anti-Bias
Framework and the lessons I incorporated into the middle school curriculum (Teaching
Tolerance, 2016).
Finally, there are my favorite moments of this study to share. During the course of this
study, many students began to think about how they self-identify. Some began sharing parts of
their identity with the entire group which they had not shared openly before. The warm, loving,
respectful embrace each student received was more than I could have ever hoped. Whether
through spoken words or a written note, students time and time again shared with one another
that they valued and loved exactly how each person identified. As an educator, it is exciting to
consider the potential impact anti-bias education has on a student’s life. This action research
project sheds light on the importance of anti-bias work and has the potential to inform classroom
instruction and further action research. Anti-bias focused curriculum in a supportive, safe
community of learners has the promise of creating culturally competent teens who strive for
authenticity in self-identification and compassion for others.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
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References
Banks, J. (2013). The construction and historical development of multicultural education, 1962
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Byrnes, D., & Kiger, G. (2005). Common bonds: Anti-bias teaching in a diverse society (3rd
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Doucet, F., & Adair, J. (2013). Addressing race and inequity in the classroom. YC Young
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Hyland, Nora E. (2010). Social justice in early childhood classrooms: What the research tells
us. Young Children, 65(1), 82-87.
Kay, M. (2018). Not light, but fire: How to lead meaningful race conversations in the classroom.
Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.
Kemple, K., Lee, M., & Harris, I. (2016). Young children’s curiosity about physical differences
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Education Journal, 44(2), 97-105.
Killoran, I., Panaroni, M., Rivers, S., Razack, Y., Vetter, D., & Tymon, D. (2004). Rethink,
revise, react: Using an anti-bias curriculum to move beyond the usual. Childhood
Education, 80(3), 149-156.
Kuh, L., LeeKeenan, D., Given, H., & Beneke, M. (2016). Moving beyond anti-bias activities:
Supporting the development of anti-bias practices. YC Young Children, 71(1), 58-65.
Lee, R., Gamsey, P., & Sweeney, B. (2008). Engaging young children in activities and
conversations about race and social class. YC Young Children, 63(6), 68-76.
Lindsey, R.B., Robins, K.N., & Terrell, R.D. (2003). Cultural proficiency: A manual for school
leaders (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
19
Lindsey, R.B., Robins, K.N., & Terrell, R.D. (2019). Cultural proficiency: A manual for school
leaders (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.
Marulis, L. (2000). Anti-Bias teaching to address cultural diversity. Multicultural
Education, 7(3), 27-31.
Teaching Tolerance. (2014.) Introducing the teaching tolerance anti-bias framework.
Montgomery, AL: Southern Poverty Law Center.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Appendix A
Self-Assessment of Cultural Proficiency
An Abbreviated Version of the assessment from:
Anti-Defamation League. (2007). Personal Self-Assessment of Anti-Bias Behavior.
[Measurement instrument.] Retrieved from
https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/documents/assets/pdf/education-outreach/Personal-Self-
Assessment-of-Anti-Bias-Behavior.pdf
Using the rating scale of SA= strongly agree, A= agree, D= disagree, or SD= strongly disagree,
assess yourself for each item below. Answer each item as truthfully as possible.
1. I know which racial group(s) with which I identify.
SA
A
D
SD
2. I know which ethnicity(ies) with which I identify.
SA
A
D
SD
3. I know which religion with which I identify.
SA
A
D
SD
4. I understand that there are different socio-economic groups.
SA
A
D
SD
5. I know which gender with which I identify.
SA
A
D
SD
6. I evaluate my use of language to avoid terms or phrases that may be hurtful to groups of
people.
SA
A
D
SD
7. I avoid stereotyping or generalizing other people based on their group identity.
SA
A
D
SD
8. I worry about using the wrong term to identify someone.
SA
A
D
SD
9. I am comfortable talking about race.
SA
A
D
SD
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
21
10. I am comfortable talking about religion.
SA
A
D
SD
11. I am comfortable talking about gender.
SA
A
D
SD
12. I am comfortable talking about socio-economic class.
SA
A
D
SD
13. I value cultural differences and avoid statements such as “I never think of you as ________”
which discredits differences.
SA
A
D
SD
14. I am comfortable discussing the issues of racism and other forms of prejudice with others.
SA
A
D
SD
15. I am open to other people’s feedback about ways in which my behavior may be culturally
insensitive or offensive to others.
SA
A
D
SD
16. When other people use hurtful language and behavior regarding a person’s identity, I feel
comfortable speaking up, asking them to stop and stating my reasons.
SA
A
D
SD
17. My family and I talk often about issues regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or socio-
economic class.
SA
A
D
SD
18. I feel accepted by my peers in how I self-identify.
SA
A
D
SD
19. I have felt stereotyped or judged based on how I self-identify.
SA
A
D
SD
20. I feel happy about the groups with which I identify.
SA
A
D
SD
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
22
Appendix B
Student Journal
Student Journal: Students will be asked to write reflections after each activity. Students will be
given a few prompts each time to guide their reflection as well as space for free writing.
These prompts will be used after each discussion. Additional prompts may be added to reflect the
specific activity or discussion.
What did you learn from the discussion today?
Did what you learn change the way you view (race, religion, etc)?
Why is this information important to know?
Teacher Journal
Teacher Journal: I will record information about planning, implementation, reflection, and
adjustments for the next step in the AR project.
After each activity, I will answer the following questions in the journal:
1. What worked? What about the activity led to engagement?
2. What should I change? Why?
3. What did I learn?
4. What are my overall thoughts about the efficacy of the activity or dialog?
CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
23
Appendix C
List of Literature Used in Middle School Anti-Bias Lessons
Title
Author
American Like Me
America Ferrera
Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson
Fresh Ink
(Anthology)
A Poet X
Elizabeth Acevedo
Kids Like Us
Hilary Reyl
As Brave as You
Jason Reynolds
All American Boys
Jason Reynolds
Ghost Boys
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Bad Boy
Walter Dean Myers
Moxie
Jennifer Mathieu
The Dreamer
Pam Munoz and Peter Sis
Amal Unbound
Aisha Saeed
The 57 Bus
Dashka Slater
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
The Stars Beneath Our Feet
David Barclay Moore
American Street
Ibi Zoboi
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Erika L. Sanchez
Piecing Me Together
Renee Watson
George
Alex Gino
Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda
Becky Albertalli
El Deafo
Cece Bell
Symptoms of Being Human
Jeff Garvin
It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime
Trevor Noah
