Equity and Education

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

It is our belief that the role of an educator is to not only nurture the academic potential of their students, but to be a proponent for the social emotional health and success of our communities. Though academic rigor remains at the forefront, our collective conscious must be attuned to the needs of our students and their diverse backgrounds, with the courage to create learning communities where ALL students thrive.

The recent and senseless deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless others created a global awakening to the injustices, inequities, and racial divisions that still exist in our country. The 7 Mindsets company stands firmly with the Black community in this fight. As global citizens and educators, we play an essential role in this movement. We must seek to understand the challenges that plague the Black community, historically and presently. We must also elevate our perspective to a position of advocacy and support, and work to instill cultural competence in ourselves and our youth.

We challenge all educators to become scholars of understanding on the issues that have negatively impacted Black communities and are dedicated to providing resources to further that mission. The work of an educator can change the world.

Join the Discussion, Make a Difference

Equity in Education Forum

Conversation precedes change, it will fuel our understanding, and is a necessary first step. Join a healthy dialogue in an open forum to discuss equity in education. We do not have all the answers, but are championing learning, discussion, and growth. Sign up below to receive updates and join the discussion. The date of the first Equity in Education Forum will be announced shortly.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

WHERE TO START?

To be a part of the movement, you must understand the problem. It is a global initiative that starts with the hearts and minds of us all. To help create the future our younger generation deserves, we must first look within and begin to understand our own systems of thinking.

Equality is the effect of treating each individual without difference. It is considered without counting the measurable attributes of an individual and treating as the same of those with differing attributes. It is to provide all students with the same experience.

Equity refers to fairness and equality in outcomes, not just in support and opportunity. It is working to overcome the historical legacy of discrimination, marginalization, and underinvestment that disadvantages specific groups of people, especially defined by race. Equity requires support tailored to the specific needs of students.

Implicit bias operates outside of one’s awareness and can be in direct contradiction to a person’s exposed beliefs and values. It is the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.

Explicit bias is characterized by negative behavior that can be expressed through physical and verbal harassment or through more subtle means such as exclusion. It is conscious bias of which you are aware.

Privilege is the special rights, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. Although it exists in the societal norms of a culture, it is also vastly reflected in the social, political, and economic circumstances of all communities.

Disadvantage is an unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success and effectiveness of a person or group. While it may be more elusive in more developed societies, factors such as implicit bias allow systems of oppression to be built into the political, systemic, and economic factions that govern a society including education.

Non-Racist is the passive rejection, opposition, and disassociation from behaviors, discourses, and ideologies that are considered racist. It positions racism as extreme, overt, highly visible behaviors that consist of irrational and independent actions of individuals. It marginalizes the historical legacy and contemporary renderings of systemic racism.

Anti-Racist is the beliefs, actions, movements, and policies adopted or developed to oppose racism. It is an active process against racism that seeks to understand how racial ideology is manufactured and how it impacts the experiences of people daily.

Section resources and information courtesy of Springer Link.

PERSONAL EQUITY ASSESSMENT

Are you comfortable with topics of equity and race in the classroom?

Inequity is deeply rooted in contemporary society. It also exists in education. When equity is not intentionally applied in all of our educational practices, we are unable to properly serve the needs of all students. It is the underlying factor in the performance of marginalized populations in schools around the country and the result of systemic oppression.

To better serve all students, we suggest you complete the personal equity survey below. It is intended to uncover opportunities for development and equity in our teaching practices and provides a foundation for personal and professional growth.

Participate in the Assessment

HELPFUL TIPS AND STRATEGIES

Check on your teachers, staff, and administrators. These topics are uncomfortable for many people in our society. The support of others and the ability to help inform one another is paramount to growth.
Stay informed. Knowledge is power and the key to unlocking our greatest potential and support to our students and community.
Protect your peace. Maintain a healthy environment for growth while guarding your state of mind. Cultivate a safe space internally and externally where you can be productive and effective.
Ask questions to trusted friends and advisors. Seek to understand the perspective of others, especially marginalized individuals.
Engage, listen, and keep an open mind. Our willingness to learn and ability to become a part of the solution hinges on our actions, decisions, and mindsets.

THINGS TO AVOID

Do not judge all protesters by the most violent participants. The pursuit of equity, justice, and inclusion is an emotional process. Recognize the expression of others as an opportunity to learn the experiences and challenges that influence the movement.
Refrain from social media arguments with strangers. The world is filled with polarizing opinions of many individuals. Engage only in growth opportunities where positive outcomes are possible.
Recognize comparing individuals as a symptom of the problem. Seek to be present in all circumstances and look for moments of connection, especially when interacting with people of diverse backgrounds.
Avoid asking what I can do? Instead, research the issues and seek to understand the perspectives and experiences of others. When the issues surrounding the movement are understood; oftentimes, the best way to get involved is revealed at a personal metacognitive level.
Resist hurtful information. The internet is filled with information, opinions, and expressions that further the culture of oppression and inequity in our society and education. Participation in these devices are in direct opposition of growth and equity.

Helpful Videos for Adults and Students

VIDEO RESOURCES

7 Mindsets is dedicated to providing resources to fight inequity in education and fuel the growth and development of cultural competence in adults and students. Below are a few resources you may find helpful to having difficult discussions with students or deepen your learning as an adult and educator. We strongly recommend that you review and watch any video or resource prior to showing to students.

7 Mindsets Portal

EQUITY COURSES

7 Mindsets has been working to instill cultural competence in our educators and students for many years. Equity and social justice fit very well into social emotional learning. Particularly, the undercurrent of racism and oppression that exist in contemporary society stems from the lack of a healthy social and emotional wellness. The 7 Mindsets portal includes many resources for educators and students on topics such as equity, implicit bias, micro-aggression and much more. Below are two lessons from the educator equity professional development course available inside the 7 Mindsets portal.

7 Mindsets’ commitment to equity includes online and in personal professional development, PK-12 courses, and thousands of resources to help build the social emotional health of educators and students and promote social justice and cultural competence in our schools and communities. To learn more, connect with one of our SEL Development Specialist.

GET IN TOUCH

VIEW ONLINE | DOWNLOAD PDF

VIEW ONLINE | DOWNLOAD PDF

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Equity in education is a complex initiative that will require personalized growth and learning. Here are a few resources that will help build our capacity to connect to the movement and further our understanding and commitment to equity.