On Equity in Education

President's Corner

Our republic was founded on a vision for a new form of government, and central to that new government was an educated citizenry. Our nation’s public schools were established to help achieve this enormous goal, and they have continued to grow and evolve through the decades to meet the challenges of our changing society.

This growth and evolution have focused on educating every student, whatever the need, and providing all students with whatever tools and resources are necessary to ensure they find success in school and society. Every student is welcomed and loved. All students are afforded an opportunity to reach their full potential.

We call this approach to public education “equity,” which often is confused with equality. Equality in education would mean treating all students the same and providing them with the same resources. As educators, we understand that equity is what truly reflects our moral imperative to care for each student and ensure all students have the resources they need to graduate prepared for success after high school, regardless of the path they take.

The concept of equity is particularly important to me personally. I often process the world best through the lens of story, so I will take this opportunity to share my own story to illustrate why I am so passionate about equity in education.

When I was in primary school, I struggled greatly with reading. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a learning issue, and the staff suggested that my parents pull me from the school and enroll me instead in a special school with students more “like me.”

My parents disagreed and enrolled me in a regular school where I received specialized tutoring and individualized assistance to help me overcome my learning challenges. Over time, I caught up to my typical peers, and eventually school became a place of hope for me.

This story highlights not only the importance of equity — of meeting students where they are and giving them what they need — but also the way public schooling has evolved over the years. When I was in primary school, IDEA was becoming the law of the land. I easily could have been left behind, and my story could have turned out very differently. Thankfully, my parents were determined enough to seek out and find an option that provided me with the support I needed.

As school system leaders, we are serving in arguably one of the most challenging times in the history of public education. However, throughout history, some of the greatest innovations have been born in the times of greatest challenge, most notably the founding of our great republic. I know that educators in schools around the nation have been creative, innovative and downright brilliant in finding ways to educate their students during the past two years.

As our nation’s public school educators continue to ensure success for each student in our care, we must persist in our focus on equity and integration. This issue of School Administrator will no doubt inspire us all.

As leaders, we also must advocate for each child in our care. It is easy to avoid topics that might cause controversy, but our students need us now more than ever as we recover from the pandemic and seek to build a future of innovation and endless possibilities for all students.

AASA has a long commitment to equity and integration, and we are here to serve each of you as you lead during these difficult times. Remember: Live Well, Lead Well!