The word equity is thrown around a lot when talking about the transformation of schools to better serve students. There is no consensus on what equity in education is BUT I’m going to try to explore the subject with you here. Let’s geaux….
Equity vs. Equality
Before we go further, it’s important to clarify the difference between equity and equality. Equality is when everyone gets the same thing. For example, if I had $50 to give away to a group of five people, equality would be each person getting $10. On the other hand, Equity builds on a foundational premise that some folk are at a larger disadvantage than others AND considerations must be made to correct for the disadvantages. So, if I had the same $50 to give away to a group of five people, equity might dictate that one person, who is an unemployed, single parent, get $40; three folks, who are employed teenagers, get $3 each and one person, who is only trying to get extra change for a bus ride, get $1. Same $50, Same five people but…different outcomes in resource distribution.
Make sense?
Why do We Need Equity in Education?
I’m glad you asked. Consider these five (5) points:
As I shared earlier, Equity builds on a foundational premise that some folk are at a larger disadvantage than others AND considerations must be made to correct for the disadvantages. I can go deeper BUT I hope you can agree, from the points above, that women and black people in the United States were disadvantaged by our public education system, from the beginning.
If you are following us on Twitter and Instagram [ @UrbanEd] you should be able to see that public schools in Baton Rouge are inequitable, if not downright negligent, when it comes to educating black and brown children. [follow #EBREnglishandMath to see evidence].
Who is responsible for equity in schools? (Wow, you ask the best questions! ☺)
The simple answer is that YOU are responsible for equity in schools!!! You Elect East Baton Rouge Parish School Board members + members of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) + Louisiana State Legislators (Senators and Representatives). These elected humans are accountable to YOU for making sure schools are operated in a way that makes special considerations for individuals and groups of folks that start with a disadvantage; to be direct, black students in Baton Rouge.
Locally, our School Board, hires a Superintendent of schools and the Superintendent hires and manages staff…these folks are accountable to YOU for making sure schools are operated in a way that makes special considerations for individuals and groups of folks that start with a disadvantage; to be direct, black students in Baton Rouge.
Following me?
#WisdomWednesday = You can fulfill your responsibility to ensure equity in education over the next six months. This Fall we have elections for members of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and Louisiana Legislature [Election Date is October 12th]. In the months following the elections, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board will be selecting a new Superintendent of Schools. You should participate in this selection process. WILL YOU SHOW UP to ensure there is EQUITY in schools in Baton Rouge?
P.S. This might be a good event to attend leading up to the elections in October.
RSVP Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-state-of-public-education-in-louisiana-a-candidate-forum-tickets-68167580067