Critical Questions Related to Equity

Is it really possible?

John O'Neil (1993) proposes that the great variability among students' access to learning, variations in motivation and interest, as well as other factors, will make it difficult to design challenging standards that are appropriate for all students. While the developers of standards are vaiously considering anywhere from one to three performance levels, those proposing only one are doning so because they are worried that more than one will encolurage differing expectations and tracking.

Is the development of standards the place to start?

Diversity in America's classrooms is a reality and requires a response in the form of educational programs that will adequately address the needs of a wide range of students. While there is evidence that schools are actually doing substantially better that they were 70or 80 years ago, it seems clear that they are not doing what is required for the futre. The schools system is more attuned to the 1920s than the 2000s and beyond. Despite the fact that some criticisms of the American school system are exaggerated and the fact that educator are generally not held in high regard by many Americans, educators are not unaware that school reform is an increasing demand, one that is viewed as essential for meeting the challenges of a globan economy.

Will all children be given equal opportunities to learn?

Resnick(1992) indicates that the absent of opportunity, it is easy to understant how unfair it would be to improve standards on students who do not have access to the teaching and resources necessary to ensure the highest level of lerarning.

(Source: Assessment Alternative for Diverse Classrooms)