These studies tend generally to suggest that teachers do hold stereotyped
impressions of certain children, and that these are related at least in part to
children's speech styles. To make the point once again: it is not that teachers
are alone in this, for stereotyped reactions to certain accents and dialects are
widespread throughout society. However, teachers' views in this regard are
rather special since negative evaluations may lead to damaging consequences
for children at school. If we consider that many disadvantaged children from
materially poor backgrounds, especially if they are members of visible
minority groups, have real and continuing difficulties in many aspects of
their interaction with mainstream society, then it seems unfortunate, to say
the least, that teachers may unfairly add to their difficulties through categorization
based upon inaccurate and ill-informed stereotypes and judgements.
While we may not be able to hope that schools alone can substantially alter
the lot of certain social groups, we should at least hope that they will not
exacerbate the problems of the disadvantaged.