I realized that I wanted to be a teacher as I began to notice the change in some of my peers when they understood a complex concept for the first time. I also watched the frustration on the faces of other students who weren’t tracking, couldn’t wrap their heads around a lesson or math problem or comprehend the theme of a story. Those were typically kids who had some kind of disability or personal adversity. Or, they were underserved in some capacity, whether it was finance, resources, location or displacement.
As a future educator, educational equity is foremost on my mind. No child should be prohibited from a full public education, and no student should go without access to the resources, opportunities and support they need. All children need to be given the tools to succeed, no matter where they come from or what their personal circumstances are. Every individual is unique and different—diversity is who we are as humans.
Adapting the methods of education to serve the needs of all is the responsibility of our academic systems and structures. In this day and age, there should be no barriers to ensuring the right of each child to reach their potential.
The means to provide this include the implementation of individualized support, system reform, allocation and distribution of resources and fiscal equity. Individual support allows for the possibility of each student to achieve his or her highest potential. This could include access to specialized learning aids or interventions.
Identifying the barriers inherent within our systems that inhibit educational equity and removing them is essential. Biases, educational redlining, zip code tracking, “teaching to the test” all need to be eliminated. Schools in lower-income areas and students from marginalized neighborhoods need sufficient funding.
Inclusivity is the key and the answer. Education needs to create safe environments that invite all types of learners to feel included and supported—both socially and academically. Supplying the necessary resources in technology, physical materials, teachers and support staff is vital to the growth of our next generation, regardless of their neighborhood or demographics.
Those from underserved communities, with disabilities, and with diverse language origins need the same chances to thrive. The provision of social services and guidance counselors are vital for integration within the community and school culture.
Educational equity should be a standard within the foundation of our nation’s schools and academic institutions. We should no longer be seeing students’ growth influenced by their social, racial or economic background.
Equity is not “one size fits all.” It’s every child receiving what they need to reach their highest achievement. The kids who are struggling in one way or another get the tutoring they need. Advanced students get AP classes. Students living in the underserved zip code areas get the same quality of resources as students in the affluent neighborhoods and schools.
With universal equity in our educational systems and institutions, we will be a nation of faces lit up with excitement in anticipation for a bright future.
