What Equity Really Means in Schools

 Equity and equality are two different concepts that are often used interchangeably. Many people think that equity in education means everyone getting the same thing, but it actually means that everyone gets access to what they need. So how can we work to truly narrow the gaps and improve student learning? Let’s take a closer look.

Equality versus equity

To understand what equity means in schools, we must first separate it from equality. “We have heard the terms equality and equity used interchangeably. However, it is critical to note that while both concepts are key to social justice and deal with resources, they are significantly different,” states The National Association for Multicultural Education. “Generally, equality is associated with treating people the same or people having equal access to resources and opportunities.”

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