How can public school leaders best provide equity in education for all students?

Providing equity in education for all students involves addressing individual needs and offering tailored support that enables every learner to achieve their potential. The essence of ensuring every student has the necessary support to succeed lies in recognizing that students come from diverse backgrounds and possess varying levels of prior knowledge and skill. This support could include differentiated instruction, personalized learning plans, access to additional tutoring, social-emotional resources, and other interventions that help bridge gaps in learning.

The focus on ensuring that all students have access to the resources and assistance they need to thrive stands at the heart of equitable education. By attending to these varied needs, school leaders can effectively level the playing field, enabling all students—not just those who may already excel—to engage with their education meaningfully and effectively.

In contrast, defining high academic outcomes for all students, assigning equal resources, or applying the same assessment standards may not sufficiently address the unique circumstances of each student, potentially leaving some learners underserved. Equity is not merely about uniformity; it is about recognizing and responding to individual differences.