In classrooms across the country, biases and assumptions about intelligence based on language proficiency persist, affecting countless students. These biases often stem from a lack of understanding about the complexities of language, race, and neurodiversity. If we want to create an education system that truly prioritizes equity and inclusivity, we need to dismantle these harmful assumptions and recognize the individual stories and strengths of every student.
The Impact of Language on Perceptions of Intelligence
It’s a common misconception that students who are not fully proficient in English, or who speak with an accent, are less intelligent. These assumptions are not only incorrect but also deeply rooted in systemic racism. They ignore the richness of multilingualism and the diverse cognitive abilities that come with it. Research shows that language proficiency does not determine intelligence, yet many students continue to be underestimated due to biases related to their language abilities.
These biases are particularly harmful to students of color and those who are neurodivergent. The intersection of race, neurodiversity, and language creates additional layers of discrimination, making it even harder for these students to succeed in a system that was not designed with them in mind. To truly support all students, we must prioritize listening to their voices, understanding their experiences, and challenging the biases that hold them back.
The Role of Education in Promoting Equity and Inclusivity
Education should be a space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. This means going beyond simply acknowledging differences in language and abilities—it means actively working to create environments where all students can thrive. To do this, we need to focus on representation in the curriculum, the classroom, and in decision-making processes.
During my recent conversation on the Conscious Pathways Podcast, Dr. JPB Gerald shared that qualitative research has shown that when students see themselves represented in their education, they are more likely to engage and succeed. This is especially important for students who have historically been marginalized due to their race, language, or neurodiversity. Educators, parents, and policymakers need to work together to ensure that education is inclusive and equitable for all students.
Actionable Steps for Educators, Parents, and Policymakers
Educators
- Challenge your assumptions: Reflect on your own biases and consider how they might impact your interactions with students who are not fully proficient in English. Make a conscious effort to separate language proficiency from assessments of intelligence.
- Promote student voices: Create opportunities for students to share their stories and experiences. Incorporate diverse perspectives into your curriculum and classroom discussions.
- Adopt inclusive strategies: Use teaching strategies that are inclusive of all language abilities. This might include visual aids, bilingual materials, or collaborative learning activities that allow students to use their strengths.
Parents
- Advocate for your child: If you feel that your child is being underestimated or treated unfairly due to their language abilities, speak up. Encourage open communication with teachers and administrators.
- Support language development at home: Celebrate and nurture your child’s multilingualism. Provide opportunities for them to practice and develop their language skills in a supportive environment.
Policymakers
- Address systemic racism: Implement policies that actively combat systemic racism in education. This includes providing resources for professional development on bias and inclusivity for educators.
- Promote research and representation: Support research that focuses on the experiences of neurodivergent students of color and those who are multilingual. Ensure that educational policies are informed by this research.
Challenging biases and assumptions about intelligence based on language proficiency is essential to creating an education system that values equity and inclusivity. By recognizing the strengths and stories of every student, we can begin to dismantle the systemic barriers that hold them back.
To dive deeper into this important conversation, I encourage you to listen to my podcast interview with JPB Gerald, Ed.D, author of Embracing the Exceptions: Meeting the Needs of Neurodivergent Students of Color. You can also subscribe to my newsletter, Pathways of Promise, for more insights and resources on how we can reimagine education for all students.