Checking Texts for Bias
Examine the illustrations and photographs. Take a random sampling of at least 10 photos or illustrations.
How does the proportion of males and females, minorities and whites compare?
Are the males, females, and minorities portrayed as equally capable?
I.e., when showing science lab or computers, who is "doing "and who is watching?
Is the language gender neutral?
Who is the focus of the action in the story or the examples?
Do any stereotypes occur in the text? For example, are the males stronger, smarter, more active while the females are passive, less noticed, and not as much a part of the story?
How are minorities portrayed? Are they portrayed as being just as capable as others?
Summarize your findings.