Solving the Achievement Gap Through Equity, Not Equality | Lindsey Ott | TEDxYouth@Columbia

Summary

The transcript discusses the inadequacy of a one-size-fits-all approach in education, highlighting the importance of equity over equality. It contrasts two students' experiences to illustrate the achievement gap and the need for individualized education. The speaker emphasizes that embracing equity can help students from diverse backgrounds succeed and suggests that abandoning standardized education is crucial for developing individual talents.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🍳 A student deemed a failure by traditional standards can still achieve success in their chosen field.
• 📚 The ideal of teaching based on equality and standardized testing doesn't always align with real-world classroom dynamics.
• 🏡 Socioeconomic status and home environment can greatly impact a student's ability to meet educational standards.
• 🚸 The achievement gap is exacerbated by an education system that enforces equality without considering individual needs.
• 👟 Equity in education involves providing the necessary support for each student to succeed, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• 📈 The current education system tends to value analytical abilities over practical and creative skills.
• 🎓 Students from diverse backgrounds often excel in practical and creative areas, which are undervalued by the system.
• 📚 Providing equity in the classroom means designing curriculum and instruction tailored to individual students' challenges.
• 📉 An emphasis on equality in education can lead to a negative self-concept for students who don't fit the expected norms.
• 🌐 Societal expectations and standards can create a sense of failure for students who are unable to meet them.
• 🏆 Embracing equity and individualized education can lead to improved self-esteem and success for students.

Q & A

What does the term 'at risk' imply in the context of the student described in the script?

In the context of the script, 'at risk' refers to a student who has a low GPA and is considered disruptive in the classroom, suggesting they are likely to fail or drop out of school.

Why did the student who was considered a failure in the traditional education system become successful in a culinary program?

The student became successful in the culinary program because it provided an environment that catered to their individual talents and interests, which the traditional education system did not.

What does the speaker mean by 'reality almost never matches the textbooks'?

The speaker means that the idealized scenarios presented in educational theory often do not align with the complex realities faced by teachers and students in actual classrooms.

What is the significance of the two students described in the script?

The two students represent the diversity in educational needs and backgrounds. They illustrate the challenges of applying a one-size-fits-all approach in education and the importance of considering individual circumstances.

How does the speaker define 'equality' in education?

The speaker defines 'equality' in education as providing the same educational resources and standards to all students, regardless of their individual differences.

What is the difference between 'equality' and 'equity' as discussed in the script?

Equality is treating everyone the same, while equity involves providing different levels of support to different students based on their unique needs to achieve the same outcomes.

What is the 'achievement gap' mentioned in the script?

The 'achievement gap' refers to the disparity in academic performance between different groups of students, often defined by factors like race, socioeconomic status, and gender.

Why does the speaker argue that providing 'a size 10 pair of shoes' is not effective in education?

The speaker argues that providing 'a size 10 pair of shoes' is not effective because it implies a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to accommodate the diverse needs and abilities of students.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to the current educational system?

The speaker suggests embracing a system that provides individualized education tailored to each student's talents, abilities, and goals to promote equity.

How does the speaker relate the concept of 'self-discrepancy' to the students' experiences in the education system?

The speaker relates 'self-discrepancy' to the gap between a student's self-concept and the outcomes they receive in school, which can lead to dissatisfaction and low self-esteem when they cannot meet the imposed standards.

What is the significance of the student's social media post mentioned at the end of the script?

The student's social media post highlights the transformative power of education that focuses on individualized support and equity, showing that with the right approach, students can overcome challenges and achieve success.