Module 5 discussion topics and concepts

Equality at Seeall

Much has been said and written about the importance of equity and fairness. After all, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are benchmark principles in this country. The purpose of this essay is to discuss equality and the positive and negative qualities that this ideal has in the public school system. This essay will address The Seeall Academy, the school where I teach, and discuss the ways that equality is addressed in that environment. The relationship between equality and excellence will also be discussed as a means of contextualizing the framework in how this principle is practically applied.

Equality

Equality is overrated in many aspects. While we are born equal, we no doubt progress at a different pace. Equality explains a static situation where all things are at standstill. Total equality is motionless and dead. In striving for equality we sell ourselves short many times. Instead of being like everyone else, we should strive to be better than the standard. Equality is a benchmark not necessarily an achievement.

The purposes behind equality are what are important. Just proclaiming that "we are all equals" does very little to note achievement, progress or necessity. Diversity is often overlooked as a positive quality and education systems seem determined to mass produce the same student over and over again. Instead of using equality as a standard, it should be used as a motivation tool that can help distinguish actual learning and progress. When we are all standing in the same place, nothing happens. The things that differentiate us from one another should be celebrated and exploited for knowledge, rather than be dismissed as "not meeting the standard.'

The Seeall Academy

The Seeall Academy, in the Bronx, NY is an integrated standards-based curriculum school serving 1100 student, PK-12. My teaching job is rewarding and challenging and I enjoy my profession very much and the experience I have had at this school. This does not mean that improvements cannot be made, especially in dealing with the idea of equality.

To best use equality, it would be optimal to eliminate standardize testing grading in general. This may be impossible due to education regulations, but at least an emphasis on learning and not necessarily grades, is a better benchmark to determine the overall quality of education that a student is receiving.

To better demonstrate the better purpose of diversity, student should be encouraged to be creative and think outside of the box to best gauge their mental development. Rigorous memorization does very little to inspire the mind, and any progress away from that direction would best serve the student and the teachers.