There are many ways a school can be more equitable, but in my opinion, equity starts with the educator and should not be confused with equality. In making your school more equitable you're attempting to show the students that not everyone is the same, or grew up the same, or have had the same opportunities and resources available to them, therefore we should not all be treated or helped in the same ways. Establishing your classroom as an inclusive environment early on in the school year will promote mutual respect, effective relationships, and clear communication among students and open their minds to multiple different perspectives and worldviews, highlighting our differences and similarities. Involving students more in the classroom environment and curriculum will not only enhance student engagement by creating more meaningful learning content while also promoting working as a team to come to a mutual agreement, but it will also help you as a teacher recognize how individual students learn the best and the ways in which you can accommodate your teaching style to better fit your student's needs. Reflecting on your own beliefs is also an effective way to become more equitable for your students. Being able to listen, talk about, and reflect on others' perspectives as well as your own, will increase your worldview and not just make you a better teacher, but a better person in general. Schools that prioritize equity over equality are also promoting their students to reach their full potentials. Every student deserves a truly equal opportunity in the educational system to succeed regardless of their circumstance.
Hi Kady!
ReplyDeleteI would definitely agree that educators play a huge role in making a school more equitable! You made some really good points about the difference between equity and equality. I think that this can be a controversial discussion because not everyone will agree that resources and opportunities should look different depending on a persons background or life experiences. I think that the concept is simple, but people can be so egoistic; some people hate to admit that others have it worse than them, and therefore need more help. I would agree that it is important for a teacher to have this perspective though, because like you said, it makes for a more inclusive classroom environment. It is important to check yourself and realize that even as the teacher, you can always learn new things! It can be tough explaining this to children, but when it is explained in a way that they can understand, it is a great opportunity to teach empathy. -Kristian Pogue
Hey Kady,
ReplyDeleteI liked this post because it had reminded me about the philosophy of Multiculturalism, that is related to what you were talking having teachers follow more to create a more equitable education in schools. Having the right teachers teaching the core subjects, so students are all experiencing equal education because their teachers would be open to the differences that they bring to the classroom with them. When teachers do not place labels on students and create a bias about them then the education that they are receiving from each teacher is better situated to their needs. Multiculturalism is mainly about the relationships and differences of the students in school and how the teacher better responds and integrates their differences into the classroom for their betterment instead of judging them. We need to have our teachers understand that the differences that their students have need to be met at different levels and that will help them have a more equitable education.
- Krista
Hey Kady,
ReplyDeleteI really like how you emphasize the importance of not erasing people’s struggles. Too often, people forget that it’s not just about treating everyone equally, it’s also about making sure people have the same equal opportunity at achieving success, which means not just saying everyone’s equal and calling it a day, but acknowledging that not everyone has equal opportunity upon birth, and that sometimes extra resources are needed to ensure everyone has a more even playing field.
Kristian, I agree with you, it could be a controversial topic, however, I think it’s important to take notice that the controversy usually lies on the privileged side of the argument, and voices of those who actually experience the underhand should be more heard in terms of deciding what resources will be provided for those struggling. When we neglect to listen to the needs of our students, or act like these needs don’t exist, we are failing to provide them with the inclusive environment we strive for.
-Sarah De Amaral