InTASC Category 1: The Learner and Learning

To ensure that each student learns new knowledge and skills, teachers
must understand that learning
and developmental patterns vary among individuals, that learners bring
unique individual differences to
the learning process, and that learners need supportive and safe learning
environments to thrive.

Fergus, E. (2017). Confronting colorblindness. Phi Delta Kappan 98(5), 30-35.

SOURCES
1) After focusing the notion of colorblindness in this article, the author states, “I said
that racial/ethnic minority groups perceive colorblindness as a way for whites to ignore
the social reality of people of color while whites perceive colorblindness as a
magnanimous gesture that does not judge individuals by skin color or other external
marker.” This highlights one of the main points of this article. For minority groups,
colorblindness is harmful because your differences are not seen as important. Not
seeing them for their ethnic background means you are omitting their lived experience,
which can be hurtful and exclusive.
2) In school, colorblindness can send a message to children that everyone shares the
same cultural experience.” We as teachers need to create an environment that is
inclusive to all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds, and cultures.

Hobson, M. (2014, May 5). Mellody Hobson: Color blind or color brave? TED.
https://www.google.com/search?
1) The first step to action is awareness. Melody Hobson talked about how we all need to
become aware of race. We need to make sure our students have equal opportunities, no
matter their color!! Colorblindness makes us sometimes blind to other races and we
need to recognize all races and make our students aware of the differences.
2) "We need to become comfortable with the uncomfortable conversation about race.”
We cannot afford to be colorblind, but color brave. As teachers we have to be willing to
have the proactive conversations about race with honesty, understanding and courage!
This is the smart choice. This is the right choice.

San Bernardino City Schools. (2019, Feb. 2019). Increasing engagement by

using culturally responsive curriculum
1) Inclusion is important in the classroom. Include all genders, races, ethnic
backgrounds and cultures into your curriculum to create a community in your
classroom.
2) Students need to become culturally aware of those around them. Pushing your
students to be “uncomfortable” in the classroom will help them become better
students.
InTASC Category 1: The Learner and Learning
To ensure that each student learns new knowledge and skills, teachers
must understand that learning
and developmental patterns vary among individuals, that learners bring
unique individual differences to
the learning process, and that learners need supportive and safe learning
environments to thrive.
REFLECTION

Colorblindness is a huge topic in our society today. It also is a topic that needs to
be addressed in the classroom. We see, now more than ever, young ones being
colorblind, because of adults they look up to. We need to be an example to our
children. We need to be an example to our students. After looking at the different
sources of information, we as educators can find ways to create an inclusive
environment in the classroom that accepts all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds,
cultures (etc). Our kids are the future. As educators, let’s teach our students to
create a community of love and acceptance, regardless of what you look like or
where you come from. I plan to use what I have learned and incorporate it in my
future classroom.

This was me in my 1st grade

placement last year. Even
when playing games, it's
important to be inclusive to
all. It was amazing to help
Mrs. Ruterbusch create a
community of inclusiveness
in her classroom. It's also
important for them to
understand one another, so
they can recognize one
anothers differences and
grow because of them.