Equitable distribution of
funding, facilities, and other resources across the school system as a whole (across schools, districts, cities and states) were a primary way participants envisioned equity being practiced in education. Many noted it has not been achieved, so ensuring equitable distribution of resources is one of the main policy changes that could help us foster equity -
what we invest in one student or set of students should be fair in comparison with what we invest in other students.
For some specific examples, schools in urban areas have a harder time recruiting and keeping teachers, and oftentimes teachers in urban schools are not specifically
trained for low-income urban context and its challenges, and they may not deeply understand their students’ experiences outside of school.
Within schools or classrooms, resource distribution is also a key part of equity.
While our discussion focused on education equity, participants discussed how equity in education truly depends on an equitable distribution of resources
beyond schooling systems as well: participants discussed that true equity would be when students have stable housing, access to medical care, healthy and supportive relationships with at least 1-2 adults, or access to safe living conditions, and all of their other needs. A secure social safety net is important for education - and for thriving beyond school. This means working within education but also
organizing outside of education for change.