An Exploratory Examination of Teachers' Perceptions of Pupils' Race

Abstract

The designations and evaluations of race are far from free of controversy in scientific discussions and studies as well as in popular parlance and practice. Although leading social scientists assert that there is no such thing as race, prevailing practice in the education profession reveals race and related terms, like racial prejudice' and ethnic stereotyping,2 to be significant concepts. Race-related research, such as attempts to measure ethnic attitudes, has been rather extensive if not altogether effective. Research has revealed that teachers' racial perceptions significantly affect their reading diagnosis,3 behavioral expectations,4 and special education placements.5 Yet, measurement of teachers' perceptions and of their evaluation of race is still in an embryonic and imprecise state. More exploration and investigation is needed, especially with regard to instrumentation.