SPED 2 Portfolio: Equality Vs. Equity -What's the difference?

 

Image retrieved from https://images.app.goo.gl/FfDgfauWPW75cwEUA

Equality seems to be like somewhat of a misunderstood term. I've heard often that marginalized groups deserve equal treatment.. but what is equal doesn't necessarily mean fair. "Equal" means that everyone receives the same thing or same treatment with no consideration for their differences. 

If we take a look at the image above, we see in the image on the left that everyone is provided equal treatment. They are all receiving the same support: a box to stand on. However, equality doesn't guarantee accessibility and fairness. 

In contrast, "equity" takes into consideration the needs of an individual and provides an individual with necessary supports to "level the playing ground" or facilitate fairness. 

Image retrieved from https://images.app.goo.gl/e5aLgRodVtsukyK66

This cartoon is one of my favourite cartoons that I think illustrates traditional forms of assessment. Every animal is treated equally, but is it fair? Of course not. I hope my students think that I provide them with ways to show what they know authentically rather privileging a certain form of expression. Of course, there will be times that I will necessarily need to help students learn things that they will find challenging, but I will help them find tools or strategies to support them and will never ask them to do the impossible.