Educational Neglect in K–12 Schools: Implications of Pedagogical Racism on the Souls of Black Children

• In Event: Equity, Justice, and Institutional Practice in Preservice Teacher Education

Abstract

Racial violence in schools is a growing epidemic across the United States. Specifically, anti-Blackness runs rampant throughout schooling experiences and has significant negative consequences for Black children. This study draws on 25 cases of anti-Black pedagogical racism perpetuated by K-12 teachers. Using a qualitative content analysis, this study examines the underlying messages and meanings evident in these instances of pedagogical racial violence. Findings illustrate the depths of curriculum violence through such racially traumatizing assignments and provide clear implications for the ways that teacher education programs prepare teachers to disrupt inherently racist instructional practices and materials.

Author

• James Bridgeforth, University of Southern California