Analysis · intermediate · 60 min

Curriculum Bias Audit

This method provides a structured process for auditing existing curriculum materials for bias. Participants use a checklist to identify potential biases related to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and other factors.

What participants gain

  • Identify potential biases in curriculum materials.
  • Apply a structured process for auditing curriculum for bias.
  • Develop recommendations for revising curriculum to be more inclusive.
  • Increase awareness of the impact of bias on student learning.

Materials needed

  • Curriculum materials (e.g., textbooks, lesson plans)
  • Bias audit checklist
  • Pens
  • Paper
  • Highlighters

How to run Curriculum Bias Audit, step by step

  1. Introduce the concept of curriculum bias and its impact on students.
  2. Distribute the bias audit checklist and explain each item.
  3. Participants individually audit their selected curriculum materials.
  4. Participants share their findings in small groups.
  5. Facilitate a large group discussion on recommendations for revising the curriculum.

Facilitator tips

  • Provide a clear and comprehensive bias audit checklist.
  • Encourage participants to be thorough and critical in their analysis.
  • Facilitate a discussion on potential biases and their impact on students.

Common challenges

  • Participants are defensive about their curriculum - Emphasize that the goal is improvement, not blame.
  • Participants are unsure how to identify bias - Provide clear examples and guidelines.
  • Participants disagree on whether something is biased - Facilitate a respectful discussion and encourage different perspectives.

Running it virtually

Share the bias audit checklist online using a shared document or spreadsheet. Participants can collaborate to audit curriculum materials and provide feedback.

Expected results

Participants will complete a curriculum bias audit for a selected unit or lesson. They will identify specific instances of bias and develop recommendations for revising the curriculum to be more inclusive.

Build a session around Curriculum Bias Audit

METODIC drops Curriculum Bias Audit into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

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