Equity in Education

Equity is a practice - a life-long learning journey. Equity cannot be outsourced or delegated. Equity is personal and communal. Equity is empathy in action. 

All children deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential, to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to a community that values and nurtures their individual talents, challenges and dreams. We must act with compassion to directly combat racism, sexism, poverty, and the marginalization of all non-dominant voices in Vermont.

This page is intended to be a place for communally shared, discussed and curated resources. It is far from comprehensive. If you have suggestions, questions, or comments, please be in touch!

Thanks to workshops and conferences hosted by multiple groups, Paul Gorski’s Equity Literacy framework is reaching hundreds of Vermonters this year. Let’s align our equity efforts, language, and collaborations for greater effect. Read, share, connect, act!

The National Equity Project has produced a wealth of resources to support their Vision: "Every child in America has the right to a quality education. We support people to make good on that promise." We encourage you to visit their site.

Wealth and povery: We need a new american dream

When people talk about tragic inequity in Vermont, poverty often dominates the conversation. Too many of our social, political and economic systems perpetuate poverty and the power and privilege that deepen the opportunity gap. We can and must stand up for change.

There are many bright spots - let’s do our part to share, support and amplify these efforts!

Legislation and policy in Vermont

These organizations can help keep you up to date with active education equity legislation, policy and resources in Vermont:

WHAT IS EDUCATIONAL EQUITY ANYWAY?

Education equity means that each child receives what he or she needs to develop to his or her full academic and social potential. Working toward equity involves commitments to 1) Access, 2) Process, and 3) Outcome.

1. Ensuring equally high outcomes for all participants in our educational system; removing the predictability for success or failures that currently correlates with any social or cultural factor;

2. Interrupting inequitable practices, examining biases, and creating inclusive multicultural school environments for adults and children; and

3. Discovering and cultivating the unique gifts, talents, and interests that every human possesses. (Definition from the National Equity Project)

Equity requires the elimination of inequity - an active, definable task.

Check the “events” page for equity-related opportunities