“The difference between equity and equality is that equality is everyone get the same thing and equity is everyone get the things they deserve.”—DeRay Mckesson
We have been having conversations, in the division in which I teach, about equity grading. To say the least, opinions are quite divided. Personally, I think “equity grading” has become just another feel-good phrase that has evolved in education that leads to misguided policy. I am certainly for equity—in all things—but….
Equity is not something that can be legislated or written into policies. Equity is a Spiritual construct. It is what I prefer to call “other-centeredness.” It is not to change the path for the individual, per se. It is to help others have access to and to successfully navigate the path. It is empathy not sympathy. It is meeting others where they are at an helping them achieve. It is not a free pass. It is not “everyone gets a trophy” (or passes the class).
In life (and in education), there are hard lessons to be learned. To deny one access to these lessons is equally as destructive as denying them access to success.
I let my students struggle. That is how they learn—how they grow. I do, however, manage the struggle. I participate in the struggle with them and guide them (as best as they will allow me) through. To me this is equity.
(For the record, one has to work very hard to fail one of my classes. I have long been questioned by my superiors for the high percentage of As and Bs in my courses. The struggles and the missed exam questions are for the purpose of learning—of growing. In the end, those who are willing succeed.)
Life deals us unequal circumstances. This should be considered a good thing—not because anyone is superior or inferior, but because our circumstances shape up. Circumstances shape us for a Purpose greater than self. Wrestling legend, Dan Gable, once said: “We are all born with equal opportunity to be unequal.” Being unequal does not imply quality. Equity does not make us equal. Equity is affording everyone the opportunity to succeed in the manner he/she needs to succeed to fulfill one’s Purpose—“to be unequal.” No one should be denied that opportunity. Frankly, in my humble opinion, that opportunity is denied when we act as “lawnmowers” and remove obstacles on the path to success rather than providing the support and guidance in negotiating the inevitable obstacles and challenges (I prefer “opportunities”) in life.
Be your best today, be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!