For more detailed discussions, see test accommodations and test bias. Linguistic inequity: Non-English-speaking students, or students who are not yet proficient in English, may be disadvantaged in English-only classrooms or when taking tests and assessments presented in English. In addition, these students may also be disadvantaged if they are enrolled in separate academic programs, held to lower academic expectations, or receive lower-quality instruction as a result of their language abilities.
For related discussions, academic language , dual-language education , English-language learner , and long-term English learner. Reform Generally speaking, reforms focused on improving educational equity seek to identify disparities in educational performance or results, and then introduce modifications intended to address or compensate for those inequities—e.
Debate Increasing fairness in education has long been—and perhaps always will be—marked by disputes and controversy. The following represent a few illustrative examples of debates related to educational equity and equity-driven reforms: What is the proper role and purpose of a school and teachers? Should a teacher support the status quo or actively seek to change it? In this case, some may argue that the primary purpose of a school is to prepare students to join the labor force and become contributing members of the existing society, while others would contend that schools should seek to address and redress social problems and assist in finding and promoting solutions.
How should schools and teachers properly negotiate privilege, including racial, cultural, educational, or socioeconomic privilege? Should schools treat each student equally? Some may argue that schools are doing too much for the disadvantaged, and thereby creating new disadvantages for other students.
For example, some believe that undocumented immigrant students and families are taking unfair advantage of the system, and that these students are using resources that would otherwise go to the children of taxpaying citizens. Others argue that schools need to provide extra help to the underprivileged, since the privileged already have advantages—whether fairly of unfairly attained—and the underprivileged will only remain so unless schools and society actively improve their conditions.
Should public schools remain social institutions or should they embrace free-market strategies? Capitalism is based on competition—among talent, resources, ideas, etc. Advocates may argue that more competition among public schools, or between public schools and private schools, will increase accountability and educational quality, while opponents typically contend that such approaches will only exacerbate existing inequities—i. To what extent does racial, gender, and socioeconomic discrimination still exist?
Is discrimination no longer a major problem in American society or in public education? This is perhaps one of the most controversial debates related to educational equity. The Civil Rights Movement, citizen activism, progressive legislation, and other cultural shifts have dramatically changed attitudes toward people of color, women, the poor, the LGBT community, and the disabled over the past several decades. Some may argue that even though positive changes have certainly taken hold, America is nowhere near becoming a discrimination-free society.
In education, students of color still underperform compared to their white peers, , for example, and they are still disproportionately represented in lower-level courses or special-education programs. Others may point to policies such as affirmative action, or the assistance given to students with disabilities, as evidence that formerly discriminated-against groups are now being given the same or even more educational opportunities as other groups.
Start by acknowledging some students arrive at school in need of more academic and socio-emotional support than others. Welcome students by name as they enter the classroom, asking them for correct spelling and pronunciation of their names. Use random response strategies like Numbered Heads Together, color-coded cards, and calling sticks.
Does anyone else have another? This serves to validate all perspectives presented in the classroom. Use body language, gestures, and expressions to show the students you value their questions and opinions—smile, nod head in affirmation, and lean toward students.
To gauge their capacity of knowledge, use tools like:. You can ask the students to reflect upon and discuss the following:. Ensure bulletin boards, displays, and instructional materials in the classroom reflect the racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds represented by students.
Keep all religious holidays in mind when creating the classroom schedule aside from the usual school holidays.
Use a variety of visual aids and props to support student learning, like multiethnic photos, pictures, and props, and appropriate technology to illustrate concepts. Give students effective and specific oral and written feedback that prompts improved performance. Go a step further and provide opportunities for students to vet each other through peer reviews. Explain and model positive self-talk going ahead to share the role of positive self-talk in performing positive actions.
Truth be told, every student comes to the classroom with their own set of biases and assumptions. Try to analyze any issues that are keeping your students from succeeding in school. Perhaps you teach in an under-resourced community, or one of your students is an English language learner ELL. Equity in schools is the answer to supporting every student, not just those from disadvantaged backgrounds. When schools provide their students with resources that fit individual circumstances, the entire classroom environment improves.
In equitable communities, everyone has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their original circumstances. On a surface level, the benefits of inclusive and equitable classrooms extend to academic achievement. Schools with the smallest achievement gaps between demographics have the highest overall test scores.
When schools are mindful of different backgrounds and provide the right resources, all students are prepared to learn and help each other succeed. In a study involving over 4, students in Southern California, the children who felt safer, less lonely, and reported less bullying also had higher diversity levels in their classes. Additionally, equitable communities are linked to better health and longer average lifespans. Surrounding communities benefit from equity in schools as well.
Equity is linked to stronger social cohesion, meaning that individuals connect with each other better and are more compassionate. Tips for Using Equity to Create an Inclusive Classroom Knowing the difference between equity and equality is the first step to creating a classroom where every child can succeed. From there, educators can take steps to better address the challenges faced by struggling students.
Keep these five tips in mind for promoting equity in your classroom and helping every student succeed:. Ten Steps to Equity in Education. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, January , pp.
Scholastic Team. Retrieved from scholastic. Winston-Salem State University. Retrieved from wssu. Just Health Action. Retrieved from justhealthaction. World Health Organization.
WHO Equity.
0コメント