An equity lens beyond the traditional approaches
Having educators understand that equity is about inclusion, not exclusion, is a critical step in garnering the "WILL" to take the necessary actions needed
One of the biggest challenges in ensuring more equitable outcomes among students is changing the attitudes of educators who are responsible for the outcomes and success of students. We know that attitudes are rooted in strong beliefs, false experiences, traditions and biases. Having educators understand that equity is about inclusion, not exclusion, is a critical step in garnering the “WILL” to take the necessary actions needed. Educators often don’t know what they don’t know therefore building the capacity of equity awareness can be a hurdle that is preventing the work that needs to be done. Educators need to be shown what equity looks like in our classrooms, schools and school communities.
Educators often don’t know what they don’t know therefore building the capacity of equity awareness can be a hurdle that is preventing the work that needs to be done. Educators need to be shown what equity looks like in our classrooms, schools and school communities.
In order to advance equity in our schools we need to develop equitable and inclusive policies within our schools and align them with practices that we can measure our progress. We need to truly allocate funds in our school plans toward our equity goals in the areas of student engagement, staff training, curriculum development and community engagement initiatives. These areas require an equity lens beyond the traditional approaches along with the funding that demonstrates the importance.
Ministry policies on equity have had an impact in the past. At the same time it has not be nearly enough because boards have been able to opt out due to lack of accountability. Governments need to ensure accountability by developing polices, providing resources to implement and expect monitoring and progress reports. The expectations should include an alignment with Board plans and training for teachers from pre-service, to in-service of mastery teachers.
Meet the Expert(s)
Yaw Obeng
Yaw is a Superintendent of Education and a member of the executive council for the Halton District School Board. He has responsibilities for School Operations; Parent/Community Engagement; Instructional Leadership; Safe and Inclusive Schools. Yaw has trained and presented nationally and internationally on student achievement; organizational leadership; community engagement and issues of equity in education throughout North America, Europe and parts of Asia.
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