Means describes equality as "setting the foundation for an equal playing field." Equality is a cornerstone of life in the United States, with the founding fathers including it in the Declaration of Independence.

Despite this, equal rights and liberties for all in the United States are not always commonplace. This is true in education. Not every student has equal access to the resources needed to succeed in their educational endeavors, and it is critical for educators to recognize this.

Equity is more of an ambiguous term for some. If equality means creating a level playing field, then equity is evening the playing field to "ensure everyone has what they need to achieve success" (Means).

This image demonstrates the difference between equality and equity. Giving every student the same treatment is a good start, but the reality is, some students need more. You must know your class and be adaptable with your pedagogies to ensure every student has the opportunity to maximize their learning potential.

As an example, say you give every student in the class a grade-level, online homework assignment. While technically this would be considered equality, it is not equitable. Some students do not have internet access at home, and depending on your class, some students may not be able to complete the same amount of work as a "normal" student that age.

Regardless of your content area, remember that there is no such thing as a "normal" student. Every student has their own unique needs and circumstances. It is your responsibility as a teacher to create an environment with equal opportunities for all, and to strive for helping every student access those opportunities.

Reference:

    Means, Brandon. “Equity vs. Equality: A DEIB Advisor Explains the Difference.” Insight Global, 22 Aug. 2022, insightglobal.com/blog/equity-vs-equality/.