equity and equality

Equity

Equality
and

Fairness and justice within education and society

Poll

How much do you know about equality and equity?

• unaware

• curious

• moderate

Lesson
Outline

Defining Equality and Equity

Equity in Education

Equity in Society

Importance of Equity

Promoting Equity in the Community

Learning Outcomes

Defining equality and equity and being able

to explain the differences between the

concepts

Understanding how equality and equity can

be used to achieve fairness and justice

Awareness of inherent advantages and
disadvantages for certain populations

Applying knowledge to real-word issues

and educational assignments

Open Ended

What do you know about equity?

Introduction

The terms equality and equity sound similar and
are often used interchangeably.

While they both deal with the idea of fairness, there
are distinct differences that make each concept
important when discussing the inclusion and
treatment of people.

There continue to be structural and social
inequalities and inequities that have marginalized
groups of people and put them at severe
disadvantages.

EQUALITY

Defining

This means everyone is given equal treatment,
regardless of circumstances. The principle
assumes anyone can reach their goals or
achievements based on contributions and effort,
not status or social position.

Equality is the idea that everyone is given the
same resources and opportunities to thrive.

EQUITY

Defining

Some people and groups face more hardships and
adverse circumstances that make it more challenging
to achieve goals, even with perseverance. Equity
attempts to identify imbalances and find ways to
restore fairness and justice.

Equity recognizes that individuals have different
needs and allocates resources based on those
needs to achieve an equal outcome for all.

Open Ended

Define equity and equality in your own words?

EQUITY

EQUALITY

Equal

Generic

Group-focused

Adaptable

Individual-focused

Fair

EQUITY

EQUALITY

EQUITY IN
Education

Students come from various backgrounds, impacting
the resources and opportunities they can access.

An example of equality in education would be allocating
the same amount of funding for every school. With equity,
funding would be based on each school’s needs, providing
the resources that fit best.

Equity is also mindful of the individual student’s needs,
considering learning disabilities and cultural differences.
Programs that aim for equity can help provide teachers and
students the resources needed for academic achievement.

Importance of

Promotes inclusivity

Encourages class engagement and participation

Provides a safe space

Students feel supported and respected by peers

Higher quality programs and materials
in the Classroom
EQUITY

Cultivates self-advocacy and self-confidence

Open Ended

Why is equity important in education?

EQUITY IN
Society

Social equity acknowledges that inequalities exist,
disproportionately impacting disadvantaged and
underserved populations.

Poverty, food deserts, and lack of access to healthcare are
a few issues that have negative consequences for our
communities.

Non-profit organizations, community outreach programs,
and volunteer services aim to remedy some of the social
inequities by providing resources where they are most
needed. By improving the lives of individuals, we create
thriving communities for all.

Importance of

Stronger social connections

Fosters empathy and compassion for others

Improves quality of life for all

Provides resources needed to thrive

Supports social and economic sustainability
in the Community
EQUITY

Reduces conflict

How You Can Promote Equity in Your

Classroom and Community

Reflect on your own beliefs and opinions to discover any social
biases that you can challenge.

Educate yourself through books and media about social
inequality and inequity.

Support organizations that promote diversity and inclusion.

Get involved with community programs that help those in need.

QUESTIONS

What are some barriers that prevent equity for all students?

How does addressing equity in the classroom benefit all students?

Why is it important to question our biases?

Answer one of the following questions in a one-page paper:

Open Ended

Why is it important to question our biases?

Open Ended

How does addressing equity in the classroom benefit all students?

Open Ended

What are some barriers that prevent equity for all students?

Conclusion

It is important to support individuals so they feel
connected and valued within their communities.

Together, equality and equity lead to social justice,
providing people with what they need to live
purposeful and meaningful lives.