CSTA: Google Surveying Educators On Unconscious Biases of Students, Parents

theodp writes: According to a Computer Science Teachers Association tweet, Google is reportedly asking educators to assess the unconscious bias of students and their parents for the search giant. "We are in the early stages of learning how unconscious bias plays out in schools, and who would benefit most from bias busting materials," begins the linked-to 5-page Google Form, which sports a ub-edu@google.com email address, but lists no contact name. "This survey should take 15 minutes to complete, and your responses are confidential, meaning that your feedback will not be attributed to you and the data will only be used in aggregate form." The form asks educators to "list the names of organizations, tools, and resources that you have used to combat unconscious bias," which is defined as "the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner." A sample question: "Who do you think would benefit most from unconscious bias training at your school (or program)? Rank the following people in order (1=would most benefit to 5=would benefit least) training: Student, Parent (or guardian), Teacher (or educator), Guidance counselor, Principal." Google deflected criticism for its lack of women techies in the past by blaming parents' unconscious biases for not steering their girls to study computer science, suggesting an intervention was needed. "Outreach programs," advised Google, "should include a parent education component, so that parents learn how to actively encourage their daughters."

Comments

Re:Haven't you guys see the *TRUE* picture yet?

[meta-monkey]

I was with you up until "total mind control."

It is a conspiracy. A C-O-N...spiracy, but not mind control. Just that Zuck and Billy and pals are tired of having to pay, ugh, middle class American wages to fucking software developer plebeians when they could be raking in more sweet sweet billions. So all the "women in STEM!" "teach all kids teh codez!" crap is designed to 1) get more H1-Bs now to drive down wages and 2) get more coders later to drive down wages.

"Learn to code" is this generation's version of "go to college." They told every millenial, "go to college if you don't want to end up flipping burgers." Well every 25 year old who went to college is now working at Starbucks with his Biology degree and $40,000 in debt. 10 years from now, every 25 year old will be a l33t h4xx0r holding a "will code 4 food" sign on Seattle street corners. Or working their 4th unpaid internship gargling Zuckerburg's balls, praying for that sweet $32k/year gig.

In the immortal words of Allahu Ackbar, "IT'S A TARP!"