Equity and Inclusive Education
“Equity and excellence go hand in hand” (Ontario Ministry of Education, p. 6, 2009)
This statement summed up the issue of equity and inclusion for me. Canada is such a diverse country and ensuring that everyone feels they are in a respectful and inclusive community is crucial to student success. Every student, teacher, and member of the community deserves to feel they are respected and safe in the school environment.
Once students are able to feel confidant and accepted within the classroom fewer behavioural problems will occur. With fewer behavioural problems occurring within the classroom students will motivated to increase achievement and student interest in school.
Not only will student achievement increase greater equity within the school but also this will shape children to be better members of society in the future. Racism, homophobia and discrimination remain such a big issue in society today and increased acceptance of all individuals is important for the future. I read somewhere that no one is born with discrimination, it is taught to us. As an educator we spend most of the day with our students, versus the parents. This is a huge advantage to us; we can instill confidence and inclusivity in our students. Modeling equity among students is the key to creating bright minds.
The number of accidents and deaths that are a result of cyber bullying are increasing every year; if this isn’t an indication of why we need to educate our students about equity, then my job would not be complete.
This statement summed up the issue of equity and inclusion for me. Canada is such a diverse country and ensuring that everyone feels they are in a respectful and inclusive community is crucial to student success. Every student, teacher, and member of the community deserves to feel they are respected and safe in the school environment.
Once students are able to feel confidant and accepted within the classroom fewer behavioural problems will occur. With fewer behavioural problems occurring within the classroom students will motivated to increase achievement and student interest in school.
Not only will student achievement increase greater equity within the school but also this will shape children to be better members of society in the future. Racism, homophobia and discrimination remain such a big issue in society today and increased acceptance of all individuals is important for the future. I read somewhere that no one is born with discrimination, it is taught to us. As an educator we spend most of the day with our students, versus the parents. This is a huge advantage to us; we can instill confidence and inclusivity in our students. Modeling equity among students is the key to creating bright minds.
The number of accidents and deaths that are a result of cyber bullying are increasing every year; if this isn’t an indication of why we need to educate our students about equity, then my job would not be complete.
References:
Ontario Ministry of Education. (2009). Realizing the promise of diversity: Ontario’s equity and inclusive education strategy. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Retrieved September 7, 2013, from http://cal2.edu.gov.on.ca/april2009/EquityEducationStrategy.pdf
Picture: http://www.inclusionbc.org/parent-s-handbook-inclusive-education