HISTORICAL LENS
MAINTAINS OPPORTUNITY GAP
Engages in conversations about others’ limited abilities.
Prioritizes voices of loudest & powerful.
Allocates resources based on potential highest # of students impacted in school.
Creates barriers by setting criteria to access opportunity.
EQUITY LENS
MITIGATES OPPORTUNITY GAP
Engages in conversations that create fairness, liberation, no matter background.
Prioritizes least served & under- represented group(s).
Allocates resources based on greatest needs of schools & student groups in schools.
Creates opportunity by eliminating barriers that inhibit access.
Four Dimensions of an Equity Lens
The dimensions of the equity lens provide a descriptive, conceptual understanding of what equity work requires of individuals and groups, and how we can think and act in service of our students, especially those most impacted by inequity and historically underserved.
The equity lens is an important tool because it helps us create the conditions that enable students to advance toward the universal goal.
The lens questions and unpacks the current situation, and reimagines it in a supportive and inclusive way that prioritizes those who are furthest from opportunity.
An equity lens using targeted universalism will help each of our schools and administrative offices have a clearer understanding of the student groups they are serving. Each of us must analyze, reflect, and strengthen our practices in these areas to better serve our students.
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
Maya Angelou
