Which statement best matches Standard II i on interacting with classmates from different groups to reduce bias?

• A. Teachers ignore differences and treat all students the same.
• B. Teachers separate students by group to minimize conflict.
• C. Teachers identify, model, and teach skills for interacting with classmates from different groups in a way that reduces bias, fear, anxiety, and discrimination.
• D. Teachers require students to choose a single group identity.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that teachers actively teach and model how to engage with peers from different groups, providing explicit skill-building to reduce bias, fear, anxiety, and discrimination. This approach uses guided interactions, role-playing, and collaborative activities that help students practice respectful communication, perspective-taking, and cooperative problem-solving across differences. In middle childhood, explicit instruction and modeling of intergroup interactions, along with structured opportunities for diverse students to work together, are key to changing attitudes and behaviors over time. The other options fall short because simply ignoring differences, separating students by group, or forcing a single group identity does not cultivate the skills or the inclusive norms needed to lessen bias and discrimination.