Reaching Relevancy and Engagement with African American Male Students. Think on paper. That's what I tell my students. Sometimes writing about what you are doing, reading, and thinking helps to clarify it. Share your thoughts here about our inquiry sessions.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Terms to Consider 2: Equity
Much of what we will read together and separately this semester addresses issues of equity in education on a broad scale and in the classroom on a small scale. What does this term, equity, mean to you?
My favorite definition of equity (I have no idea who said it) is that everyone doesn't get the same thing, but everyone gets what he/she needs. This definition of equity, though, is difficult to make tangible because we all have different ideas of what people need.
In my classroom, I think the struggle to achieve equity arises when so many people in one classroom need sometimes conflicting things. Also, sometimes I have a difficult time knowing what each student needs. I don't always trust them to know what is good for them, but I don't always know either.
I agree with you that the basis of equity is need. Students don't always see this. Their immature definition is often "everyone gets the same thing/treatment". How do we communicate this deeper and more accurate definition to our students in our day to day interactions?
It is a struggle to know what every student needs. We must begin, where you always begin, Inga. We must get to know the students. Time consuming, but the payoff is huge.
I loved Miss Puffer's statement that everyone does not get the same thing, but everyone will get what they need. That gives me great insight to "equity."
As far as school wide is considered, I don't think we follow this definition. This is not always true in the classrooms.
Adage: Equal is not fair; fair isn't always equal. This reiterates really what Miss Puffer has so nicely summized.
My question was did the excerpt of reading stress equity or did we extrapolate this idea from the facilitator's response. I say this because of true equality (the right for each person, but rights are prohibited when the freedom of one infringes upon another). The article (and sometimes this topic for education) prompts a form of segregation for me.- I know this will really stimulate conversation, and I am prepared for the discourse.
As far as the classroom:I strive for STUDENT EFFICACY, recognizing and addressing specific factors within presented demographics. I think student response, teacher collaboration and reflection are paramount. I created a survey for my class to see what they are thinking... I must be BRAVE!
I feel equity in the classroom in based upon the teacher, which is not evident in each class. And, I feel that the evidence of it schoolwide is based upon the principal's (administration) expectation and the teachers' along with thier response to the standard.
To me, equity means all people have equal opportunity to receive education of equal quality.
As people have noted before, this does not mean treating all people in the same way. It means treating all people in whatever way is needed to give them equal opportunity. Some students need written directions; others need free or reduced lunch. These are only two small examples of the many ways to help make education more equitable.
My favorite definition of equity (I have no idea who said it) is that everyone doesn't get the same thing, but everyone gets what he/she needs. This definition of equity, though, is difficult to make tangible because we all have different ideas of what people need.
ReplyDeleteIn my classroom, I think the struggle to achieve equity arises when so many people in one classroom need sometimes conflicting things. Also, sometimes I have a difficult time knowing what each student needs. I don't always trust them to know what is good for them, but I don't always know either.
I agree with you that the basis of equity is need. Students don't always see this. Their immature definition is often "everyone gets the same thing/treatment". How do we communicate this deeper and more accurate definition to our students in our day to day interactions?
ReplyDeleteIt is a struggle to know what every student needs. We must begin, where you always begin, Inga. We must get to know the students. Time consuming, but the payoff is huge.
I loved Miss Puffer's statement that everyone does not get the same thing, but everyone will get what they need. That gives me great insight to "equity."
ReplyDeleteAs far as school wide is considered, I don't think we follow this definition. This is not always true in the classrooms.
Adage: Equal is not fair; fair isn't always equal. This reiterates really what Miss Puffer has so nicely summized.
ReplyDeleteMy question was did the excerpt of reading stress equity or did we extrapolate this idea from the facilitator's response. I say this because of true equality (the right for each person, but rights are prohibited when the freedom of one infringes upon another). The article (and sometimes this topic for education) prompts a form of segregation for me.- I know this will really stimulate conversation, and I am prepared for the discourse.
As far as the classroom:I strive for STUDENT EFFICACY, recognizing and addressing specific factors within presented demographics. I think student response, teacher collaboration and reflection are paramount. I created a survey for my class to see what they are thinking... I must be BRAVE!
I feel equity in the classroom in based upon the teacher, which is not evident in each class. And, I feel that the evidence of it schoolwide is based upon the principal's (administration) expectation and the teachers' along with thier response to the standard.
To me, equity means all people have equal opportunity to receive education of equal quality.
ReplyDeleteAs people have noted before, this does not mean treating all people in the same way. It means treating all people in whatever way is needed to give them equal opportunity. Some students need written directions; others need free or reduced lunch. These are only two small examples of the many ways to help make education more equitable.