Ep 9 - They’re Just Kids
In this episode of the Innovative Educators Lab, we’re tackling adultification, the bias that strips kids of their innocence and replaces empathy with "adult" consequences.
I’m breaking down why I use the words “kids” and “children” (yes, even for 12th graders) to talk about students. We’ll explore where this bias sneaks into our discipline and the difference between holding high expectations and denying a child the right to be a learner. Whether they carry adult burdens at home or not, school must be the place they are allowed to make mistakes and learn.
They’re just kids. Sometimes we all need the reminder.
Show notes:
Georgetown Law’s report, “Girlhood Interrupted” https://genderjusticeandopportunity.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/girlhood-interrupted.pdf
“Adultification, Anger Bias, and adults’ different perceptions of Black and White children” by Alison N Cooke and Amy G Halberstadt https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9248049/
