The idea of Equity literacy that resonates with my values, thinking, and beliefs are race-related oppression which comprises religion, (dis)ability, gender expression, and identity. Additionally, teachers must integrate this concept in the classroom by reflecting on their thoughts, reducing gender and race biasness and ensuring that these practices are always considered and emphasized. While referring to John, The Dean of Students at a suburban high school, Gorski (2016) says, “In addition to his other dean duties, John led the school’s diversity efforts at the request of the principal” (p.12). This is an example of what educational facilitators need to do in the learning environments. Equity literacy enables educators to make decisions that affect every student similarly. Educational facilitators encounter problems controlling the learning environment since learners bring their identities based on their social group to the learning environment. It is hard to create a classroom climate that is safe and inclusive. Culturally responsive pedagogy and equity literacy are linked as they create a supportive and safe environment by interrupting harmful student behaviours. Besides, culture focuses on academic performance, while equity literacy focuses on the life of an educator as a whole.
Firstly, advancing quality to equity enables one to be able to not only advocate for justice and fairness but also ensure that everyone is treated in the same way. As a teacher, I will advance equality by establishing an environment that equally addresses all students’ economic, social and cultural aspects. “For example, all students might have “access” to advanced math classes insofar as they are available to anybody who takes the prerequisites,” ( Equity Literacy Institute, 2021, para. 3). Another Paradigm Shift for Equitable Educators that I will integrate into my practice is eradicating marginalizing practices among the learners’ families. “…we begin not with a binder full of practical strategies but with a deeper commitment to strengthening our understanding” (Gorski, 2016, p.14). I understand that educators should be accommodating. Therefore I will practice this paradigm by accommodating every student and treating them equally without any bias depending on their backgrounds, although it is hard. Besides, “Equity literacy reflects a shift in commitment for me as an educator” (Gorski, 2014, para.14). Teachers, like anyone else, may not be aware of the biases in their training and upbringing. In addition, they should be able to address such situations most appropriately whenever they arise.
References
Equity Literacy Institute. (2021). Paradigm shifts for educational equity | Equity literacy institute. equity-literacy. Web.
Gorski, P. (2014). Imagining equity literacy. Learning for Justice. Web.
Gorski, P. (2016). Equity Literacy More Than Celebrating Diversity. Equity Literacy Institute, 12-14. Web.