Exploring the distinction between equity and equality, emphasizing the importance of tailored educational pathways. Discussing building relationships for equity in education, incorporating diverse cultures, and creating safe spaces for students. Exploring the transformative power of music events and the need for unique learning experiences to promote equity.
Equity requires tailored solutions for individuals' needs, like customizing a cake based on preferences and allergies.
Equity focuses on individual requirements, unlike equality, by providing support tailored to learners' unique necessities.
Deep dives
Understanding Equity Through Baking a Cake
Equity, likened to baking a cake with various ingredients representing factors like funding and teacher quality, requires knowing the recipient's needs and allergies. The importance lies in understanding oneself as the baker, comprehending ingredient interactions, and knowing the target audience to create a customized cake. This metaphor extends to situations where individuals require modifications due to health issues, emphasizing the significance of tailoring solutions to individuals for true equity.
Differentiating Equality and Equity in Learning
Equality, centered on equal distribution by the giver's perspective, contrasts with equity which focuses on receivers' needs and sufficiency. An analogy involving filling gas tanks illustrates this distinction, where equitable distribution depends on the individual requirement rather than uniform allotment. The concept underlines the importance of considering learners' unique necessities to ensure they receive adequate support for their educational journey.
Creating Equitable Learning Spaces Through Experience
To cultivate equitable learning environments, it is crucial to establish safe and dynamic spaces that encourage individuals to show up authentically. Drawing parallels to the transformative impact of experiences like attending a Beyoncé concert, podcast participants highlight the need for creating expectations, setting parameters, and fostering excellence to cater to diverse needs effectively. By allowing individuals to engage on their terms within a supportive framework, genuine equity in learning experiences can be achieved.
On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee is joined by New Pathways Senior Fellow Timothy Jones to discuss one of our New Pathways Design Principles: Equitable.
When designing pathways, they must “provide equitable accessible, meaningful accommodation and support the development of social capital needed to access opportunity.