Equity & Diversity Video

For Decades, Our Nation Supported Equity. Now, We’re Divided Over It

By Stephen Sawchuk — September 6, 2022 2:49
TN Stephen 1 BS

For two decades, legislation endorsed by a Republic president and affirmed twice by Congress has made it clear that all public school students should reach a basic level of academic mastery. Today, this idea is steeped in controversy. EdWeek editor Stephen Sawchuk explores the tension between those who are committed to equity as a means for students to reach the same academic outcomes and some who believe that notion is Marxist. What does it mean that so many for so long have considered equity to be the starting place for public education? Where does that leave students?

See Also

Conceptual illustration
Adolfo Valle for Education Week
Equity & Diversity Reported Essay When Did Equity Become a 'Trigger' Word?
Stephen Sawchuk, September 6, 2022
12 min read

Stephen Sawchuk is an assistant managing editor for Education Week, leading coverage of teaching, learning, and curriculum.

This video is sponsored by Spectrum. Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.

Video

English Learners Video How Translanguaging Works in a Dual Language Program
Students in a N.C. dual-language program learn core subjects in both English and Urdu, preserving heritage and boosting bilingual skills.
1 min read
Classroom Technology Video Teachers, Try This: Digital Literacy Lessons for Elementary Students
Students are encountering technology at an early age. It's important they know how to interact safely with a digital world.
3:07
Photo of teacher helping students with their tablet computers.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
Student Well-Being Video How Urban Schools Bring Lessons to Life Through Gardening
School gardens can connect classroom lessons with the wider world while offering lifelong learnings for students.
3:55
Student Well-Being Video What’s Behind the Political Criticisms of Social-Emotional Learning?
The Trump administration says SEL is being used to veil discrimination. What does that mean for schools?
Students from Suelllen Vesperman’s first grade class dance to the Macarena as they participate in an exercise through the InPACT program at North Elementary School in Birch Run, Mich., on March 2, 2023.
Students from Suelllen Vesperman’s first grade class dance to the Macarena as they participate in an exercise through the InPACT program at North Elementary School in Birch Run, Mich., on March 2, 2023.
Emily Elconin for Education Week