Equal is not always equitable…

Or the “I” in IEP.

The “I” stands for individualized. Equal means that every person gets the same thing. According to Merriam-Webster, equitable means having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly and equally with all concerned.

I read an article the other day called “The Least Dangerous Assumption.” One of the things talked about in this article was IQ testing and how there is racial and cultural bias in it. I would also argue that, while it is equal, it is not equitable. Every student gets the same test, but is it fair to give a non-verbal student a verbal test?

At the same time, is it equitable to place every person in a full inclusion classroom with 15-30 other kids for a six hour school day? Individualized means that we have to look at an equitable education and look at what each child needs. A non-verbal student in a wheelchair, might be able to do a regular math class with accommodations. At the same time, a student who appears “normal”, may benefit from more pull-out due to anxiety or the method of instruction needed.

As parents or advocates, we need to look at what the child needs on a regular basis. There is no one size fits all education. A student might be successful during a read aloud and independent reading with their general education peers, but need pull-out instruction for Math and phonics.

As an advocate, I am available to help you focus on the “I” in IEP.