Photo courtesy of Interaction Institute for Social Change | Artist: Angus Maguire
Equality and Equity in Education
Everyone deserves access to quality education. When we educate, we empower.
Equality and Equity in education are not the same. Equity is when one person learns in one way, and another person learns in a different way, but they each arrive at the same level of understanding. Both should have an education that is designed for their individual success. We strive for more equity in all educational settings. Each child deserves the opportunity to learn within a format that works for them.
At RITES, our teachers are trained to inspire our students by designing specific instruction that supports their individual needs. Our teachers supply the critical tools, methods and strategies that fit each child’s learning style within the context of today’s opportunities and available resources.
Understanding the difference between what is “equal” and what is “equitable” helps us shape new solutions, as well as redefine and rebuild existing constructs in education to better serve our children.
Here’s how the two words are different:
Equality
Equality is providing the same opportunities to all students.
Equity
Equity is giving specific resources and support to struggling students to bring them up to the same opportunity level as their peers.
OPPORTUNITY GAP
The term “opportunity gap” refers to the difference in resources and opportunities afforded to under-served students versus their peers. For example:
- Minority students may be subjected to unfair biases
- English language learners may not be able to comprehend course material as easily as native language speakers
- Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds may not have the money to pay for tutoring
Access to quality education can help to ensure that all children in our community, with dreams and determination, can reach their potential and succeed; yet, far too many students, especially in under-served groups and communities, lack robust access to the core elements of a quality education. The opportunity gap is narrowed when equal education is achieved, but to truly close the gap, equity in education must also be accomplished.
While our education system is still working to provide equal access to a quality education, we are simultaneously working to provide equitable education, especially for our students with learning differences. These students typically need more resources, more time, and more complex teaching approaches to access the same information as their peers who do not have learning differences. Multisensory instruction is a key piece to this puzzle. It is a hallmark of quality, equitable education, as well as the cornerstone of what we do at RITES.
How Multisensory Instruction Provides Equity
The core of a multisensory approach to teaching is that it allows different types of learners to access the same information. By providing instruction through what we see (visually), what we say (auditorily), and through hands-on activities (kinesthetically), we assure that every learner will have a way to understand the material and cement the concepts in their brains. We incorporate all three pathways for every lesson to reinforce the learning process and make sure the student connects meaningfully to the material.
Our promise of an equitable education:
- RITES teachers design lessons that are accessible to all learners, as every learner is different
- As a 501©3 non-profit, RITES offers financial assistance to students in need, so all can benefit from our programs
- With the help of our supporters, RITES is continually striving to create an equitable future for all children
Help local students receive an equitable education today by donating now. 100% of your donation goes toward our financial assistance program.