Equity & Bullying

I really connected with the fact that fairness does not mean “sameness” in terms of equity. It means realizing and fulfilling the needs of individuals in such a way that it evens the playing field for all involved. It means being inclusive in our language as well as in our actions. Issues of equity surround our classrooms and our learners because each child in your class is unique in their backgrounds, personalities, and life experiences.

I have had many experiences with equity issues in the classroom, but I did not realize them at the time. I’m not sure that everyone understands the difference between equity and exceptionality. I know I didn’t until further into my education career. Examples of situations involving equity are: abused children, bullying, poverty, racism, sexism . . . and unfortunately the list continues. Exceptionalities on the other hand refer to such things as: behavioural, physical, and learning disabilities, as well as deafness, blindness, dyslexia, autism, and so on.

 I think the most common equity issue I have come across in a classroom is bullying, because it encompasses so many of the other issues. I believe that every student and staff member has the right to feel safe in a school environment, and when bullying is a common occurrence this is simply not possible. An environment that involves bullying does not foster a sense of security or respect. I am proud that the Ministry of Education has come up with the “Realizing the Promise of Diversity Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy” and implemented this in schools. It states: “An equitable, inclusive education system is fundamental . . . and is recognized internationally as critical to delivering a high-quality education for all learners" (UNESCO, 2008). This is a powerful statement, and one that I agree with wholeheartedly. However, students typically do not read these documents. Therefore, it is our job as educators, and more basically as human beings, to educate our students about equity. We need to recognize, accept, and celebrate the differences in our classrooms and in each other.

I have included two videos in this post. The first shows a day in the life of several students. Every student in the video is first shown wearing a plain white shirt. This is symbolic of the students thinking they are equitable with everyone around them, who are also wearing white. As the video goes on it shows the students being bullied in various ways and in various circumstances; even one where the teacher was the one bullying. In a reflection the students then see themselves how others have labeled them. I thought this spoke to the negative power of a label and how bullying can impact someone not only as a student, but as a person.

“Defeat the Label Anti Bullying video”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7nxbULcaH4

The second video is more academic than the first. It features Professor Pedro Noguera discussing the term “equity” in a school-based context and how it has changed over the years. He focusses on the outcomes of equitable treatment, and how it changes based on time and place.

“How do schools promote equity among students”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiEKs01ZIho

                                                        Works Cited

Ministry of Education. (2009). Realizing the Promise of Diversity Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. Toronto, ON: Ministry of Education.