The United States strives to create a society where everyone has an equal chance to achieve, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, ability, financial situation, or intersectional background. However, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Social Mobility Index, which compares one generation’s educational and economic status to that of their parents, we still have a long way to go.
The United States is ranking 27th in social mobility by the World Economic Forum, behind nations such as Denmark (No. 1), France (No. 12), and Singapore (No. 20). Most countries, including the United States, are “failing to provide the conditions in which their populations can prosper,” according to the research. As a result, a person’s life possibilities are tied to their socioeconomic level at birth, perpetuating historical disparities.
Equity Vs Equality
Teachers frequently employ a pizza-related thought experiment to highlight the difference between equality and equity in education.
How to Split a Pizza (Equity in Higher Education 101)
Consider a bunch of students preparing to devour a newly delivered pizza. According to the principle of fair distribution, the students may divide the pie evenly — say, two slices each.
Is this method of sharing the pizza equitable? When you divide something equitably, it indicates that everyone gets the same amount. Is it, however, more equitable to attend to each classmate’s demands — hunger, a desire for the cheesy crust, and so on?
Each person gets pizza according to their needs in a fair distribution: a hungry student who skipped breakfast may get three slices, while a student who ate lunch early would only get one.
How to Achieve Equity in the Education
Here are a few easy steps you may take to promote equity on your campus.
The First Step is to Conduct an Equity Audit.
“Sunlight is… the finest disinfectant,” said Justice Brandeis. Transparency is one of the most straightforward ways to enhance higher education. You can’t fix problems on campus that aren’t evident.
Predictive analytic algorithms that use race as a risk factor are now the subject of debate. I completely understand the apprehension this causes. However, this should serve as a wake-up call and a prod to address persistent, attainment, and completion inequalities, grading disparities, and access to high-demand majors and experiential learning opportunities.
Admissions Should be Redesigned With Equity in Mind.
Students do not all begin at the same level. We must not punish pupils for not having the same benefits, connections, or enrichment opportunities as their peers
While it’s true that some kids are more polished and prepared than others, the cliché is also true: talent is broad, and the main traits of success — inventiveness, drive, tenacity, resilience, and leadership potential — are unrelated to one’s socioeconomic status.
Make a Curriculum That Is More Equitable and Inclusive
It’s not only a matter of removing obstacles or reducing inequalities in higher education to achieve fairness. It’s also about developing a curriculum that is more socially relevant that recognizes:
The existing curriculum ignores voices, histories, accomplishments, traditions, and opinions.
Individual courses must be reimagined not only to include new topics and texts, but also to reconsider canonical and no canonical texts and interpretations in light of new knowledge about colonialism, slavery, the construction of race, gender, disability, class, and age classifications, and previous misuses of the social and natural sciences.
Improve the Equity of Pedagogy and Assessment
Equity is sometimes definition as grading flexibility, Cheap assignment help or due date flexibility, and the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge in numerous ways. However, fairness and inclusion need much more. Deliberate action and a multifaceted strategy that involves pedagogical modifications, academic assistance, and assessment.
