What is Equity?
In education, equity is when educational policies, practices, interactions, and resources are representative of, constructed by, and responsive to all people such that each individual has access to, can meaningfully participate, and makes progress in high-quality learning experiences that empowers them towards self-determination and reduces disparities in outcomes regardless of individual characteristics and cultural identities” (Fraser, 2008). The fundamental belief driving the pursuit of educational equity is that all students can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally under the right conditions.
Why Address Equity?
There are different aspects of equity in education, such as academic achievement or placement in special education or gifted and talented programs. Racial disparities in academic achievement are commonly called the achievement gap. This label implies the challenge lies within the student, when in reality it’s a lack of opportunity to effective instruction that causes the divide. It is more accurate to call this disparity the opportunity gap.
What’s the Difference Between Equality and Equity?
Equality comes from the concept of fairness, where everyone is entitled to the same level of access and can achieve if they so choose. When some children are excluded or not provided with the knowledge, skills, and/or resources necessary to participate fully in educational settings, they must overcome obstacles to access what others have. Equity is both a process and an outcome of ensuring each student has access to high-quality teachers, programs, and resources, and their learning environments reflect their whole selves.
CVESD’s Vision, Mission, and Values Reflect Equity
CVESD is working towards eliminating opportunity gaps by providing equitable educational experiences for each student. Supporting and fostering students’ excellence in academic pursuits occurs by focusing on the whole child—their race, culture, language, heritage, gender/expression, and experiences. The unique aspects of each individual are valued by educators and used to inform students’ learning and development.
