Usable Knowledge Talking About Race and Bias A snapshot of tested resources to encourage classroom conversations Posted July 28, 2016 By Usable Knowledge After a summer punctuated by killings in the streets of American cities, many are hoping that schools will become places of dialogue, where broad conversations about race, racism, and systemic inequality can flourish. The Making Caring Common initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education offers a sampling of vetted resources [PDF] that provide guidance for educators who want to start these conversations. The resources are not meant to be comprehensive, but they offer a foothold and a place to begin. They include lesson plans and activities, best practices, and videos and reflection exercises. See our excerpt below.This collection is one of several resource lists from MCC; the others focus on social media, sexual orientation and gender identity, and social emotional learning and the Common Core.Best PracticesCreating an Anti-Bias Classroom A set of practices from the Anti-Defamation League that K–12 educators can incorporate into their daily routines to foster a respectful and inclusive classroom. Also helpful: these additional anti-bias resources from the ADL.Speak Up at School This guide [PDF] from Teaching Tolerance provides strategies for responding to remarks made by students and by other adults and gives guidance for helping students learn to speak up. The guide also focuses on preparing adults to act as models for students.Race: A Teacher’s GuideA substantive teaching tool to help middle and high school educators understand and address race and human variation, from the Race Project.Group ActivityUnderstanding StereotypesA lesson plan [PDF] from Discovery Education that helps students understand how assumptions can lead to stereotypes and unfair judgments about individuals and groups — and how biases affect our lives and our society. Writing ReflectionWhat's Your Frame?A classroom activity from Teaching Tolerance that encourages students to reflect on their individual cultures and histories, their backgrounds, the norms they grew up with, and their values. The goal is to help students enlarge their perspective and recognize diversity of belief and background. Next StepsRead and download Making Caring Common’s full resource guide to race, culture, and ethnicity [PDF].***Get Usable Knowledge — DeliveredOur free monthly newsletter sends you tips, tools, and ideas from research and practice leaders at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Sign up now. Usable Knowledge Connecting education research to practice — with timely insights for educators, families, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles Usable Knowledge Facing Race Strategies for leading an honest classroom conversation about race in America. Usable Knowledge Combatting Anti-Asian Racism Equipping educators with restorative justice techniques to upend discrimination and stereotype. Education Now Navigating Tensions Over Teaching Race and Racism A discussion on how schools, educators, and families can navigate the continued politicization and tensions around teaching and talking about race, racism, diversity, and equity.