This is a very difficult question to answer because of the current barriers that exist in our educational system. I see equity as equal opportunity, not equal ability, as we know that individuals range greatly in the abilities they possess. In order to create an educational system that is geared towards educational equity, the following conditions would need to be addressed:

• Teacher quality: I was reading an article a friend had forwarded to me on how to make great teachers. The article pointed out that teacher quality varies greatly, and there are a lot of factors that contribute to teacher quality, such as a strong support network and years of experience. Not only is it important to train good teachers, but also to retain good teachers.
  • “Other essential skills require on-the-job practice. It takes at least two years to master the basics of classroom management and six to seven years to become a fully proficient teacher. Unfortunately, a large percentage of public-school teachers give up before they get there. Between a quarter and a third of new teachers quit within their first three years on the job, and as many as 50% leave poor, urban schools within five years. Hiring new teachers is “like filling a bucket with a huge hole in the bottom,” says Thomas Carroll, president of the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, a Washington-based nonprofit.”
• A strong curriculum: An education earned in Kentucky should be the same as an education earned in California, but we all know that this is not the case. It is not even the case from one school district to the next. There are many factors that contribute to this difference (cultural, social, economic, financial), and if we could address those differences, it could lead to a more equitable education. It would have to be monitored with end-of-year assessments and minimum competency requirements, with adjustments being made for individuals with disabilities.
• Motivation of individuals: A big difference I see between high performing schools and low performing schools is the motivation of the students. There is a certain amount of pride exhibited by individuals at schools that excel. I remember when a gentleman named Andy Dotson visited our school and offered to help improve our school culture. He talked about what he had done at Phelps High School in Pike County, Kentucky. The school was fifth from the bottom on CATS assessment, and in five years, they were fifth from the top. He did a complete restructure of the school, placing his best teachers with his lowest grade level, and building the students’ abilities up through the different grade levels. There were celebrations incorporated once a month to keep up student motivation, and the students became so invested in the school, each grade level would try to out perform the students who took the test the previous year. It takes an exceptional person to pull this off, I wish there could be an Andy Dotson in every school.
• Access to educational resources: There are certain things that make learning a better experience. When teachers receive professional development training, their quality of teaching should improve, therefore increasing the quality of education for the students. Having certain science lab equipment or virtual labs enhances the learning experience, having the opportunity for guest speakers can enrich a classroom, taking trips to significant locations can enrich the learning experience. Resources that help teachers engage students in learning are so valuable.