SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

Equity vs. Equality: Eliminating Barriers in the Classroom

Advertisement

By Sierrah Chavis

If you’ve ever done any research on the terms “equity” or “equality,” you might have come across the illustrations by Tony Ruth (based on Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree), which each depict an apple tree and two young children standing below it. The first image shows the children waiting to collect the apples that fall, but the tree is slightly inclined to the left, so all of the apples are falling on that side and only one boy can collect them. This represents the idea of “inequality.”

In the next image, each boy is given a ladder of the same size. The boy on the left can use the ladder to easily collect apples, but the ladder is too short for the boy on the right. This image represents “equality,” where the same tools are given to everyone. However, in this case having two ladders of equal heights is of no use to one of the boys.

Finally we come to the third image. This time the boy on the right has a slightly taller ladder than the other boy’s, which allows him to finally reach and collect apples as easily as the boy on the left. This image demonstrates “equity,” the idea that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the difficulties we face in the world, but rather a right-size solution for each individual’s needs.

As a former educator and current administrator, I’ve noticed that in recent years “equitability” and “equality” have become popular buzzwords, but although the two terms are frequently used interchangeably, there are significant differences between them.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Sierrah Chavis is currently the Chief of Staff for ChildSavers, a mental health agency for children, prior to which she was an educational leader for 10 years, fulfilling roles of curriculum specialist administrator, teacher, and special education case manager. She is the recipient of an Impact Leader Award from the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Education News

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Turning Pages, Turning Up: Tackling Absenteeism Through Reading Culture

Across the nation, educators are facing a growing crisis of chronic absenteeism. And while interventions often focus on remediation or outreach, one Title I school in Kentucky tried a different solution: running school-wide reading challenges.

Clothing Insecurity: A Hidden Barrier to Student Success

As kids prepare to step through the school doors and start another year, I’m particularly mindful of the 20 million children in the U.S. experiencing clothing insecurity.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

Sierrah Chavis
Sierrah Chavis
Sierrah Chavis is currently the Chief of Staff for ChildSavers, a mental health agency for children, prior to which she was an educational leader for 10 years, fulfilling roles of curriculum specialist administrator, teacher, and special education case manager. She is the recipient of an Impact Leader Award from the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Advertisement

Read More

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Back-to-School Must-Haves: Transform Your Classroom with These Indispensable Items

With the right tools and products at your side, you can turn the chaotic transition from summer break back to school into a smooth ride.

The Secret to a Quiet Lunch Break: Building Student Relationships

The trick to not using all your personal days during the first month of school is to focus on stopping bad behavior before it starts, instead of punishing students after the fact.

Turning Pages, Turning Up: Tackling Absenteeism Through Reading Culture

Across the nation, educators are facing a growing crisis of chronic absenteeism. And while interventions often focus on remediation or outreach, one Title I school in Kentucky tried a different solution: running school-wide reading challenges.

Clothing Insecurity: A Hidden Barrier to Student Success

As kids prepare to step through the school doors and start another year, I’m particularly mindful of the 20 million children in the U.S. experiencing clothing insecurity.
ganar dinero enviando emails | salon casino lucy | ganar dinero jugando minecraft | plinko gg bet gratis | casino mustang | los mejores casinos online | como trabajar por internet y ganar dinero | juegos de casino online gratis | ganar dinero con mi cuerpo | casinos bonos bienvenida gratis sin depósito en méxico 2023 | como ganar dinero a traves de las redes sociales | roma casino | casino camino real oro | caliente deportes | apuestas casino caliente | winner casino login | logo caliente mx | rushbet app | motel casino | juegos de casino con tarjetas | tragaperrasgratis con bonus gratis | foliatti casino bono $700 | lion casino | casino online bono sin deposito | ice casino online | aplicaciones para ganar dinero en fortnite | casino atlantis | spin casino | sportium horario | casino online deposit paypal | casino embajador | decoracion de casino en casa | casino online bono por registro | ruleta de pokemon aleatorio | nuevos casinos online | ruleta numeros del 1 al 50 | codete | tigres vs america estadisticas | jackpot city casino gratis tragamonedas | bono de bienvenida casino | el reto de la ruleta de ricky | un rezo la ruleta letra | como ganar en las maquinas del casino | animales para criar y ganar dinero | jackpot cash casino online | casino macao cancun | como funciona maquina tragamonedas | jugando online | la manera mas rapida de ganar dinero |