The Obama Effect

{The Obama Effect

Radio lab podcast, 2009

Traditional IQ test, 20 questions

Test given before Obama was elected

Whites: 12/20 Blacks: 8.5/20

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Black White

Achievement gap

Same test after election speech

White: 12/20 Black: 12/20

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How do we close the gap?

Gaps between how women and men score on math tests

Gaps between athletes of different races

Its all in the way you frame it

Problem solving

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“Culture-free”

Stereotypes are part of our culture

Stereotype: Blacks have a lower IQ

Stereotypes do not prevent you from doing what you want, they distract you

Back to Obama…

How can we reduce the control that stereotypes have on our students?