As a school counselor, I want my student to feel fully accepted for who they are. When it comes to the school system there is a clear gap in student success across various people groups. White, middle to upper class, students (more specifically male students) have the most resources or opportunity to those resources compared to every other student in their direct environment. This is what we refer to as privilege.
When it comes to our students, we want to decide to approach them with a perspective of equity or equality. Equality means we all get the same treatment. We give the same level of care, the same level of effort, the same resources, and other school counseling services. Equality does not permit everyone a fair chance. Equity is the act of working directly and specifically with a student. Equity looks at the starting point of the student. Catering services individually to each student.
Why is equity important? Not everyone is born into a home that has granted them the best opportunities to become the best versions of themselves. Students, often times, are products of their environments. Sometimes these environments limit a students ability and limits what they may be able to accomplish. As a School Counselor, it is my job to work with my school, my students, my student's parents, my community partners, and the social world involved with my school. Within these relationships is an opportunity to raise up these children. A common metaphor is the one in which all boats rise with the tides. When these important relationships begin to equip students with tools, techniques, and resources to thrust them towards success we create equity. A focused care that meets the student where they are and meets the needs to give them the highest chances at success.
We seek for equity. Through equity equality can be achieved.
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