Recent research, such as the article "What can we do against racism in mathematics education research?" by Wagner et al. (2020), highlights the pervasive issue of racism within educational systems. Although the research focuses on mathematics education, its implications extend to various fields, including speech-language pathology and online therapy services provided to schools. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage the outcomes of this research to improve their skills and create more equitable educational environments.
Understanding the Research
The study by Wagner et al. (2020) identifies systemic issues in educational research that perpetuate inequities, particularly against Black, immigrant, and Indigenous children. The authors emphasize the importance of examining institutional roles in sustaining racism and propose actionable steps to address these disparities.
Key Takeaways for Practitioners
Practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and online therapy can implement several strategies derived from the research to combat racism and foster inclusive environments:
- Reflect on Bias: Regularly evaluate personal and institutional biases that may affect decision-making and interactions with students. This includes understanding how racial stereotypes and prejudices can influence therapy outcomes.
- Inclusive Curriculum: Ensure that therapy materials and resources are culturally responsive and inclusive of diverse backgrounds. This helps in making all students feel represented and valued.
- Equitable Access: Advocate for equal access to therapy services for all students, regardless of their racial or socio-economic backgrounds. This might involve working with schools to identify and address barriers to access.
- Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development focused on anti-racism and cultural competence. This can be facilitated through workshops, seminars, and collaboration with experts in the field.
- Data-Driven Approaches: Utilize data to identify disparities in therapy outcomes among different racial groups and implement targeted interventions to address these gaps.
Encouraging Further Research
Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support further research that examines the impact of racism in their specific fields. This research can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of anti-racism strategies and help develop best practices for creating inclusive educational environments.
Conclusion
Implementing the outcomes of the research by Wagner et al. (2020) can significantly improve the quality of online therapy services provided to schools. By reflecting on biases, ensuring an inclusive curriculum, advocating for equitable access, engaging in professional development, and utilizing data-driven approaches, practitioners can create better outcomes for all children.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
What can we do against racism in mathematics education research?.
