ABSTRACT

Implicit Bias is judgement based in subtle cognitive processes. Because implicit bias happens so subtly, it affects our behavior and choices in ways that we may not notice. In education, we have a divide between what we intend and the actions we take. The achievement gap is a result of this divide. Confirmation bias furthers the explicit belief that students of color cannot achieve in the same way as white students. In order to change our action, we must break the habit of implicit bias by shining a light on the subtle cognitive processes that lead to inequity. We must interrupt racism when we see it in others, in our schools, and within ourselves through cultural proficiency and ethical decision making as school counselors. The first step is reflection so that we can identify implicit bias when it happens.