Equity and Equality in the classrrom

A school is an institution of learning, a place where everybody plays by the same set of rules. An arena of equality and equity. A classroom is where students of all shades, background and culture mingle in one accord. A place where fairness is the golden rule. Equality, by definition means the quality of being equal, while equity is defined as the quality of being fair and impartial. This two definitions are close in meaning but very different in context. For example, a classroom of twenty kids, two of whom have learning disabilities and can not learn at the same rate with their colleagues. In this case, the students with disabilities have to be supplied the same resources and tools to make them  succeed just like their colleagues.  Or consider a situation where a new immigrant student who has to learn English before learning the content is thrust in a class full of students whose native tongue is English . Such a student, if not properly managed, will be at a disadvantage.

The job of a teacher is to make sure that such a student is carried along and handed the same opportunities to succeed. Our responsibility is to make sure that all the kids in our class are treated fairly and impartially, therefore,  making them succeed in every way possible should be our goal. We understand that not all students learn in the same way, some learn faster than others. We do know that there are Kinsethic, auditory and visual learners, We as educators are must make sure that everyone is given a fair share of quality time and resources for which to help them succeed.


Different factors can affect a students ability to cope with classroom activities, Immigration status, learning disabilities,race and  social class are a few  that can hinder a level playing field in the classroom. That is why it is important for teachers not to make assumptions but to consider that all students require the same level of attention and resources that will equip them with tools and resources to succeed just like everybody else.


Differentiating a classroom is a way of ensuring that everybody gets a fair share of instruction in the best way to help them understand the lesson. Teachers should also try to find out more about their students by engaging them. Some students might sit quietly in the classroom without the teacher knowing that they need to be catered for specially. All our energy should be channeled towards making sure that the classroom is a free and fair environment. Students should be free to express themselves culturally at all times, we must create an atmosphere of respect and acceptance in the classroom.(OO)