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ADL Education: Anti-Bias Learning Framework (PDF)
What is Anti-Bias Education
Anti-bias education is a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning designed to increase the understanding of identity and differences and their value to an inclusive and just society and to actively challenge bias, discrimination in schools, communities and society. Anti-bias education incorporates inclusive curriculum content that reflects diverse experiences and perspectives, instructional methods that advance all students’ learning, and strategies to establish and sustain safe, inclusive, respectful and equitable learning communities.
ADL Education's Approach to Anti-Bias Education
ADL Education’s anti-bias education pillars reflect our philosophy for how students (and others) recognize and build understanding of bias in themselves, others, and society and learn ways to address and challenge it. These pillars are foundational to our approach and are adapted and modified based on age and grade level. We believe that these pillars are best learned through interactive activities and respectful group dialogue that facilitates sharing of knowledge, perspectives and experiences.
Explore Identity
We each hold many aspects of identity. Exploring identity is central to understanding bias and establishing classrooms and spaces where everyone is included and respected. Our identity shapes how we view and experience the world. Understanding the significance and complexity of identity is an essential process for a community of learners to engage in. Exploring identity is the foundation for understanding the connection between identity, bias and injustice.
Interpret Differences
Diversity is a strength and differences surround us—from the classroom to the community to the larger society. Our diverse society compels every learner to develop the language and mindset to interpret differences and learn how to communicate about and across differences. Being willing to recognize different perspectives and reject stereotypes, learners of all ages can develop the skills to affirm identities and build a shared understanding of the diversity of our world.
Challenge Bias
Bias is universal. Because our brains process vast amounts of information by quickly organizing new data according to familiar patterns, bias becomes part of information processing. Without being aware of it, we associate new experiences with the beliefs and messages we’ve received from the people in our lives, the media we consume and the institutions we interact with. Bias causes harm, whether that bias is conscious or unconscious. Understanding the harm caused by bias and repairing it is central to challenging bias in ourselves, others and society.
Champion Justice
Anti-bias learning can inspire people to take action to foster a more inclusive and equitable world. Championing justice involves enlisting others and working together to confront bias and act as change agents. Young people engaging in anti-bias learning often feel motivated to take action to change the world around them. Educators and others can play a powerful role to help facilitate this process of engaging in allyship, advocacy and activism to create a more just and equitable school, community and society.