Title: Why Understanding Equity vs Equality in Schools Can Help You Create an Inclusive Classroom | Waterford.org
Headings: Why Understanding Equity vs Equality in Schools Can Help You Create an Inclusive Classroom
Education
Why Understanding Equity vs Equality in Schools Can Help You Create an Inclusive Classroom
Main Differences Between Equity and Equality
Challenges Involving Equity and Equality in Schools
Benefits of Focusing on Equity in Education
Tips for Using Equity to Create an Inclusive Classroom

Content: In terms of equity vs equality in the classroom, most schools focus on horizontal equity. The definition of horizontal equity in education is treating people who are already assumed equal in the same way. [ 7]
Horizontal equity is only useful in homogenous schools, where each person really is given the same opportunities in life. But in most schools, students will come from a variety of backgrounds–some more privileged than others. For this reason, educators should focus on vertical equity, which assumes that students have different needs and provides individual resources based on said needs. [ 8]
Another challenge facing equity vs equality in education is poverty. 60% of the most disadvantaged students come from low-income homes or communities. [ 9] Because their families or schools might have very limited budgets, it can be difficult to provide these students with equitable resources. Additionally, these at-risk communities often have trouble keeping educators who can make a difference: 62% of high-poverty schools report that it is challenging to retain high-quality teachers. [