Teacher’s Low Expectations Impact Students of Color

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MOOR infographic by LESLIE HWANG

CRYSTAL CHEAH
Staff Writer

A study published by the Center for American Progress, demonstrated that a teacher’s expectations for students has a tremendous influence on their educational and emotional development, a factor that may be contributing to the persistent achievement gaps in education.

In the study the data showed that secondary teachers believed African American were 47 percent less likely to graduate from a four-year college and Hispanic students were 42 percent less likely to earn a college diploma than their white peers.

“I do not like how teachers have such low expectations because of a person’s skin color because I’ve always thought that one of the goals or perks of being a teacher is to promote enthusiasm into all of their students,” junior Dilagsayini Mylvaganam said.

The report concluded with stating that it is critical for teacher-preparation programs to raise educators’ expectations for all students to help children succeed in the future.

“​I believe that any kid of any race has the potential to be successful and it is difficult to understand why a teacher would be allowed to teach if they are exhibiting behavior that shows otherwise,” English teacher Nicaela Alvarado said.