Identifying Cultural Biases: Reflections From Developing Video-Based Training for the After-School Program Practices Tool

• In Event: Millennium Hotel Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Perspectives on Culture and Bias in Out-of-School Time

Abstract

This presentation explores how we can learn about cultural bias from developing a training and assessment system for OST program quality assessors. By documenting how the Afterschool Program Practices Tool (APT) has been validated across multiple OST programs in several phases, we discuss how the field can be advanced by examining the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods used to train and assess reliable and accurate program quality raters. Our main objectives are (a) to provide evidence that we have taken several steps to significantly reduce the potential for cultural bias that is inherent in all educational assessments and (b) to offer OST staff practical guidelines into becoming more aware of cultural biases when rating programs for quality.

Authors

• Amanda Richer, Wellesley Centers for Women

• Linda Charmaraman, Wellesley Centers for Women

• Ineke Ceder

• Lisette DeSouza, Wellesley College