Equity is acknowledging people's differences in starting points and needs, where providing support to address these differences and trying to achieve fairness is sometimes necessary for students' development. Equality, on the other hand ensures that everyone regardless of their background, receives the same access to resources and opportunity
Equity means to go beyond equality by recognizing and addressing the inherent disparities and barriers that different individuals or groups face. Equity seeks to achieve justice and equality of outcome by actively addressing systemic inequalities and providing resources and opportunities according to individual needs, aiming for true fairness and inclusivity. Equality emphasizes consistency and fairness by treating everyone identically, regardless of their individual needs or circumstances. It aims for access to the same resources and opportunities to each individual.
Prioritizing equity over equality can present challenges for students in the learning process. As an educator, it's crucial to strike a balance and grasp the concepts of equity and equality. Equity acknowledges that fairness may necessitate tailored treatment or assistance based on each individual's unique circumstances. In "Rethinking Multicultural Education: Teaching for Racial and Cultural Justice," edited by Wayne Au, the issue of standardized testing is raised in relation to its potential to undermine multicultural education. Au suggests that the focus on standardized testing may lead to superficial knowledge being imparted to white children while depriving children of color of a comprehensive education. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring students' progress, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, to ensure equitable educational outcomes. Au also highlights concerns about the impact of excessive testing on the broader curriculum, noting that subjects like science and social studies may be sidelined as a result. This narrow focus risks excluding valuable forms of knowledge from students' learning experiences (Wayne, pages 45)