The Myth of the Average Learner: Mindset Around Learner Variability

We have witnessed far too many classrooms where students are taught to an imaginary "average" and considerations are made to differentiate for anyone who may not fit that "middle.” One of the most critical ways for us to achieve equity in our classrooms is by recognizing the variability of learners that make up our communities. To do this, we must develop a mindset that has no room for the myth of the average learner.  This does not happen in practice alone, it must start with mindset.  In this session, we will look at the mindset shifts required to recognize learning needs as an issue of equity and justice in our classrooms. A central component of our Anti-Bias Framework is Inclusion. Developing a mindset that envisions an inclusive school community is essential to creating anti-bias classrooms. 

Participants will leave having done thinking about their mindsets as connected to inclusion and both personal and collective work required at their school sites to create shifts in understanding around inclusion.