Equity verse teaching all students equally is an easy idea and challenging for the mind! Equity begins with understanding that all students learn differently and at different rates. Formative assessment with an entrance task will quickly help you understand that the current location of student skills is somewhere between three grades behind and a grade or two ahead! Equity is teaching from the students current level of skill as Piaget said so well. That is likely not the same lesson with the same examples so all students get the unit taught equally! It will look like two or three lessons with accommodations for numbers, tools, or possibly partner work...or it could mean teaching a prerequisite skills to some, accommodations for others, and the original lesson with recognition of learning styles. Equally providing a lesson for all students is the rarity and modifications or/and accommodations for differing students current level of skill is the norm. But once again this will bring me back to the idea that formative assessment is driving the planning and instruction for true equity that the teaching will be at the right place with the correct level of modification or accommodation so that all students are taken from their current level of ability to be moving toward better abilities. It makes a great case for co-teaching with a special educator!
Teaching students equally makes the assumption that all students learn exactly the same at exactly the same place and have the exact same life experiences. Teaching in an equitable classroom aims to have all students reach equal outcomes while being aware of students’ differences. Teachers’ hold a high expectation for each student in an equitable classroom. Modifications and accommodations provide opportunity for students’ to reach the learning goal in a way that fits their learning style. It is understood that a classroom will have to meet the needs of many. Even small adjustments in the classroom can help make the class more equitable. Such as having more turn and share opportunities (this can help ELL's), make the content relevant to students' lives (different cultures), and allow students' some control of their learning are just a few examples.
Well said, Tiffany! I agree that learning styles and differences must be taken into account when teaching anything. The goal is for all students to succeed, despite any challenges. It is important to give all students the tools they need at the right time, and not teach above where they are at. This will only add to their confusion and frustration, and they will not be able to learn. I also believe assessment can help teachers gauge this and is a very important tool as well. I like what Tiffany said about equal outcomes, and I think that equal treatment and respect is important for teachers to display to ALL of their students. Believing in all students and having high expectations of them is really important, and can help them all achieve success. While students can't be taught in the exact same, or equal ways, it is important to treat them all equally. This may not mean an equal workload, questions, or assessment opportunities, but rather these should be just right for the individual, or equitable. There are things that can be altered so that it is more fair for everyone, and helps everyone to succeed in their own way.
Tiffany, I really like this point that you made: "Teachers’ hold a high expectation for each student in an equitable classroom." This reminds me of the reading we have done in PTA about the profound impact of teacher expectations on student performance. It is crucial to keep in mind that simply because some students learn differently or at a different pace that they still need to be challenged and given tasks that require critical thinking and problem solving. I think especially when there is a child who struggles, no matter the reason, adults will often want to help them more and "save" them, rather than let them work through the problem and find the answer. Teaching equitably means adjusting the instruction so that all students can be successful and yet challenged.
Equity verse teaching all students equally is an easy idea and challenging for the mind! Equity begins with understanding that all students learn differently and at different rates. Formative assessment with an entrance task will quickly help you understand that the current location of student skills is somewhere between three grades behind and a grade or two ahead! Equity is teaching from the students current level of skill as Piaget said so well. That is likely not the same lesson with the same examples so all students get the unit taught equally! It will look like two or three lessons with accommodations for numbers, tools, or possibly partner work...or it could mean teaching a prerequisite skills to some, accommodations for others, and the original lesson with recognition of learning styles. Equally providing a lesson for all students is the rarity and modifications or/and accommodations for differing students current level of skill is the norm. But once again this will bring me back to the idea that formative assessment is driving the planning and instruction for true equity that the teaching will be at the right place with the correct level of modification or accommodation so that all students are taken from their current level of ability to be moving toward better abilities. It makes a great case for co-teaching with a special educator!
ReplyDeleteTeaching students equally makes the assumption that all students learn exactly the same at exactly the same place and have the exact same life experiences. Teaching in an equitable classroom aims to have all students reach equal outcomes while being aware of students’ differences. Teachers’ hold a high expectation for each student in an equitable classroom. Modifications and accommodations provide opportunity for students’ to reach the learning goal in a way that fits their learning style. It is understood that a classroom will have to meet the needs of many. Even small adjustments in the classroom can help make the class more equitable. Such as having more turn and share opportunities (this can help ELL's), make the content relevant to students' lives (different cultures), and allow students' some control of their learning are just a few examples.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Tiffany! I agree that learning styles and differences must be taken into account when teaching anything. The goal is for all students to succeed, despite any challenges. It is important to give all students the tools they need at the right time, and not teach above where they are at. This will only add to their confusion and frustration, and they will not be able to learn. I also believe assessment can help teachers gauge this and is a very important tool as well. I like what Tiffany said about equal outcomes, and I think that equal treatment and respect is important for teachers to display to ALL of their students. Believing in all students and having high expectations of them is really important, and can help them all achieve success. While students can't be taught in the exact same, or equal ways, it is important to treat them all equally. This may not mean an equal workload, questions, or assessment opportunities, but rather these should be just right for the individual, or equitable. There are things that can be altered so that it is more fair for everyone, and helps everyone to succeed in their own way.
DeleteTiffany, I really like this point that you made: "Teachers’ hold a high expectation for each student in an equitable classroom." This reminds me of the reading we have done in PTA about the profound impact of teacher expectations on student performance. It is crucial to keep in mind that simply because some students learn differently or at a different pace that they still need to be challenged and given tasks that require critical thinking and problem solving. I think especially when there is a child who struggles, no matter the reason, adults will often want to help them more and "save" them, rather than let them work through the problem and find the answer. Teaching equitably means adjusting the instruction so that all students can be successful and yet challenged.
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