Why Equity Matters in Education

What’s the difference between equal treatment and equitable treatment? It might seem like treating every student equally is the best thing to do. But practicing equity means understanding the needs of each student. That’s why equitable practices are the only way to ensure all students get what they need to succeed.

[@MissJoyVay]

People are not plants

[@bluesteel1005]

Equality in schools: Exists, with everyone fine with it. Northam: Mindlessly changing the school system of Virginia for no reason, to be more "equitable," and making things fair by having everybody do the basic curriculum until 11th and 12th grade, for no apparent reason other than "equity" whatsoever. You tell me what is worse? Advanced people learning advanced things, or Advanced people learning Basic things to be "equitable" to his/her classmates.

[@vashmatrix5769]

In short equity means unconstitutional things like affirmative action.

[@deno.marquez]

is this realistic though?

[@donjindra]

In real education "equity" is impossible both on input and output. But it is based on ability, not need.

[@jasoncollin9949]

I will never be an NFL quarterback. I do not have the talent, skills, or genetics. Is this realization contradictory to the equity dogma?

[@monadouc9368]

How about - schools focus on educating children on the basics first. Our schools are failing to even do that in this country. Then we can worry about all the fluff. And this is fluff. Fluff brings in the $$$ and it never goes to the students and teachers in a tangible way. It goes to “programs” which have grand expenses and do not meet the needs and so around and around we go.

[@monadouc9368]

If these kinds of initiatives actually work, why have inner city schools continued to struggle. Why do public schools struggle more so than charter? Just focus on getting quality teachers and retaining them by paying them a living wage. The give quality fact based curriculum without an agenda. Those two things alone would take our schools far.

[@slobodanjevtovic7102]

We have special Ed already

[@Mandraquex3000]

By the analogy put forth by the video, it seems they are advocating for segregation.

[@lesliedowst2050]

If you wouldn't plant a cactus, a tulip and a fern in the same spot in a garden, why put such diverse learners in the same classroom? Isn't this an obvious set up for failure?

[@DaveWard-xc7vd]

So we should segregate our schools?

[@abdullahk9606]

So you give the highest achievers the most sunlight because they can tolerate it and the lowest achievers the least amount because they're not up for it? This is idiotic equity!

[@azadehjavaherpour7285]

I think depends how you understand intersectionality besides needs. Your comment is interesting but it depends how educators understand and define diversity. Of course lowest achievers need more sunlight! All is in understanding needs.

[@lasoniajohnson868]

I think the video is saying that some plants NEED more sunlight to survive well and that some plants NEED wet environments to survive well. You are assuming that sunlight is bad and no sunlight is bad. You assume that an equal balance of the two is what all plants need, but that may not be the case. Educators have to know their student's challenge & strengths to gauge how much sun or lack of sun they NEED.

[@marz9894]

It means that you give the students what they need to thrive. So high achievers probably need more of a challenge, or they will become bored and “check out” from learning. In that case, maybe a different assignment or learning the same subject but at a higher level. Or maybe pairing up with another student who needs a little more help, then they both learn. With students who are struggling, figure out where they are struggling and why. For example, if a child is coming to school hungry, they’re not being lazy or not applying themselves or just “dumb”, they need a snack, and maybe some food sent home with them in their back backs. One high school put in a small laundry mat in the school, so kids could wash their clothes. They saw an immediate increase in attendance and grades just by giving students in need a chance to have clean clothes. That’s what this video is about. What does each individual child need to thrive.

[@FrankTheTank1007]

@Viganch0 anyone that likes their own comment really has no room to talk

[@Mandraquex3000]

By the analogy put forth by the video, it seems they are advocating for segregation.

[@Khaoz67]

Lol so this is why the dislike button went away..