I was prompted by some recent comments made on social media to consider my thoughts on equal opportunity versus equal outcome. It is a heated discussion in our politically-charged society. My intent is not to be political. Rather, I prefer to be realistic and consider the broader implications.
Personally, I think a good place to start would be to simply look at post-war Germany—East v. West. East Germany represents “equal outcome”. West Germany represents “equal opportunity”. In which direction were people trying to get passed the wall?
I consider the movement in parenting from what is now called “free-range parenting” (just parenting in the ‘60s and ‘70s when I was growing up) to “helicopter parenting” to “lawnmower” parenting. In the latter styles of parenting, were see challenges—and, hence, growth opportunities—removed for the sake of a “successful” outcome. This, however, is not success. Equal opportunity is giving everyone a mower and the ability to manage obstacles in their way.
In education, I hear more talk about graduation rates than I hear about competencies. Transcripts record letters received from a variety of classes, not what was learned. I know of no situations in education where every student does not have the opportunity to earn an “A” in a class (except maybe a few schools like Evergreen University where there are no grades—and I believe they have even changed that policy) or “pass” in a pass/fail situation. Some classes may be harder than others and some students may have greater difficulty with certain classes, but all have the same “opportunity”. Equal outcome assigns everyone the same grade.
I care less about grades in my classes than I care about learning. So, I expect students to attend class, take notes, and study. I expect my students to struggle—as it that which we struggle the most to understand that we learn the best. I benefit my students very little if I teach at them and award them all A’s without testing what they know—more importantly identifying what they don’t know. A student who gets a “C” on an exam may actually learn more than the student who gets an “A”.
We are still nowhere near where we must be in this country—and globally—in providing equal opportunity. We are getting better, however. The answer is not in removing the rewards of success—for in doing so, ultimately, removes the desire to achieve (and you end up with an East German car). The answer is in allowing open access to life’s challenges and to the tools necessary to succeed. Access to an education isn’t a free path to a degree. Access to an education is opening the doors and allowing all who desire an education (beyond a diploma) the opportunity to learn.
Opportunity has strings attached. It requires effort.
It is true that opportunity results in diverse outcomes. Some see far greater success than others. Equal opportunity merely guarantees that everyone has access to success. It is their option to pursue or not pursue. Equal outcome has but one result. That result might be called “average”, “mediocre”, “common”, “ordinary”, etc. These are not terms associated with growth or success.
When we deny opportunity to all, we stifle growth and renounce true success. We are left with ordinary. Equal opportunity is not equal outcome and it is not opportunity for some. We must choose the path we want to take and live with the outcome.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!