How Can We Improve Equity in America’s K-12 Education System?
Racial and socioeconomic disparities continue to create challenges for educators across America. You can almost guess the test scores of a school by its zip code. As income inequality continues to soar, what can administrators and teachers do to increase equity and access in education?
It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of equity in education, which means providing resources where they’re needed the most. However, money can prove challenging to come by, particularly in the current climate. Educators, therefore, must incorporate whatever tools they have at their disposal to promote equity in the classroom.
Factors Impacting Equity and Access in Education
It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of equity in education, which means providing resources where they’re needed the most.
It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of equity in education, which means providing resources where they’re needed the most.
One of the factors that creates inequalities in the quality of education is the way schools are funded in the United States. Many states raise a significant portion of public school revenue through property taxes. This practice creates a glaring disparity — schools located in wealthier neighborhoods will have higher funding than those in lower-income areas.
You can see this dynamic at play in Connecticut. Although it ranks as one of the wealthiest states in the nation, it has some of the poorest schools within its borders. Students in high-income areas have access to resources like school psychologists and institutionally funded laptops, while those in more impoverished regions lack these amenities. Greenwich, for example, spends $6,000 more per student than nearby Bridgeport.
Another issue creating educational disparity involves Title I funding. This landmark educational bill CONTINUE READING: How Can We Improve Equity in America’s K-12 Education System? - LA Progressive