As the left side of the graphic illustrates, although equality is often misconceived as action where treating everyone equally results in fairness, that is not actually the case. What is fair, as the right side of the image shows, is an equity-based approach that provides support based on individual needs.
The oversimplified view that equality is the best approach neglects the systemic barriers and disparities that certain groups may face because of historical, social, or economic factors. Achieving true equity requires a more nuanced and targeted approach.
The Pitfalls of Equality
The principle of equality is fundamental; however, its implementation can sometimes perpetuate existing inequalities. For example, consider a scenario where all students in a classroom are given the same textbook. Although this approach adheres to the concept of equality, it fails to account for individual learning styles, language proficiencies, or additional support needs. Consequently, students who face more significant challenges may be at a disadvantage, unable to access the educational resources they require.
Equity in Education
An equity-focused education system considers the unique needs of each student. It may involve allocating additional resources to schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods, providing extra support for students with learning disabilities, or ensuring language accessibility for non- native speakers. By tailoring resources to address specific challenges, equity in education becomes a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of generational disadvantage.
Here are a few examples of equity-based education initiatives.
Universal high-quality early education. One key initiative in promoting equity in public education is ensuring access to high-quality early education for all children. Early childhood experiences have a profound impact on a child’s cognitive and socioemotional development. By investing in prekindergarten programs and providing early resources to families, educational systems can level the playing field from the start. This initiative helps narrow the achievement gap that often emerges early in a child’s educational journey and lays a strong foundation for future success.
Inclusive special education. Another equity initiative in public education focuses on including special- needs students in mainstream classrooms. Historically, students with disabilities have faced segregation, limiting their access to quality education. Inclusive educational practices aim to provide all students, regardless of their abilities, with the opportunity to learn together.
This initiative involves adapting teaching methods, providing support services, and creating an inclusive culture within schools. By embracing diversity in learning styles and abilities, schools can better prepare students for a more inclusive society.
College- and career-readiness programs. Equity initiatives extend beyond K–12 education to encompass postsecondary preparedness. College- and career-readiness programs target underrepresented groups, providing them with the necessary resources, guidance, and information to pursue higher education or vocational training. These initiatives may include mentorship programs, college preparatory courses, and financial aid.
By addressing the systemic barriers that hinder certain students from pursuing higher education or entering specific career paths, these initiatives contribute to a more equitable distribution of opportunities and outcomes.
Consideration of All Factors
As school business officials, we are involved in crucial decision-making where the principles of equity and equality come into sharp focus. The conventional approach often involves providing the same financial resources to all students, assuming it will lead to equal outcomes.
For example, you are budgeting for school library resources and choose to allocate an equal dollar amount to every student enrolled in your schools. It feels appropriate to give your elementary school with 500 students and your high school with 500 students equal funding to purchase library books. This is an equality-based approach; everybody gets the same, and we feel good about that.
During this process, though, we must ask ourselves, “Have equity-based decisions been made?” For example, did we account for the fact that elementary school libraries typically buy many copies of the same book because books in elementary school libraries are typically used more and need to be discarded more often?
What about high school libraries? Did we consider that books in high school libraries typically cost far more per individual copy than elementary school books? Asking these kinds of questions allows for much harder, but necessary, equity-based decision-making.
The recent increase in reporting of financial transparency can contribute significantly to fostering an equitable educational environment. Presenting data across multiple variables promotes equity-based conversations and decisions. For example, if your district has several neighborhood schools serving different economic levels, is the allocation of resources for music, art, advanced math, or science sections equitable for all?
Reporting district finances at the school level can reveal some of these inequities (not inequalities) and allow for correction. By addressing the unique challenges students face, particularly students in underserved communities, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and effective education system.
At this point, business officials start thinking, “Great, but how much is that going to cost?” Equity-based initiatives do not require increased costs but rather a reallocation of existing resources, whether they are human resources, material resources, or financial resources. The hard work of leadership is creating an environment where decision-makers understand the differences, have the data to make good decisions, and recognize that different levels of need require different levels of support.
The Role of Government and Policy
Government policies play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of equity and equality in society. Effective policies should go beyond the rhetoric of equal treatment and actively work toward dismantling barriers.
In the world of education and education finance, government education departments targeting state-level resources to districts on an equity-based scale rather than an equality-based scale can lead to far better outcomes. Additionally, specialized funding based on proposed initiatives or needs has the added effect of allowing school districts to identify their own equity-based needs and receive support for those needs. This approach is opposed to an often-seen phenomenon where funds are allocated across a state to a specific initiative (e.g., mentoring), where only certain districts or regions have that need.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between equity and equality is vital for fostering a more just and inclusive society. Although equality emphasizes uniform treatment, equity recognizes and addresses individual differences and systemic disparities. In education, as in social justice or governance, directing resources where they are needed most is a fundamental step toward achieving true equity.
As we navigate the complexities of building a fair and inclusive world, it is essential to remain vigilant against the pitfalls of simplistic equality. By embracing the principles of equity, we can work toward dismantling systemic barriers and creating a society where our education systems serve as the linchpin for allowing every individual the opportunity to thrive.