Educational Equity Flashcards

What is 'culturally responsive teaching'?

Answer: An approach where teachers connect lessons to students' diverse cultural backgrounds to improve engagement and learning

Culturally responsive teaching uses students' cultural references and experiences to make learning more relevant and equitable for all learners.

A rural school lacks reliable internet access for students at home. How does this affect educational equity?

Answer: It creates a 'digital divide' that limits rural students' access to online learning resources and homework tools

The digital divide means students without reliable internet access cannot benefit equally from online educational resources, widening existing gaps.

Which of the following best explains why diverse representation in textbooks and classroom materials matters for educational equity?

Answer: Students learn better when they see people like themselves represented and when they learn about diverse perspectives

Representation in learning materials helps all students see themselves as capable learners and exposes everyone to diverse histories and perspectives.

A school district uses a lottery system rather than academic testing to determine admission to a magnet school. From an equity perspective, why might a lottery be preferred?

Answer: A lottery gives all interested students an equal chance regardless of prior test preparation or coaching

Test-based admissions can favor students with access to test prep resources, while a lottery gives every interested student an equal random chance.

What is the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in U.S. schools?

Answer: To create a custom academic and support plan tailored to a student with a disability

An IEP is a legally required, personalized plan that outlines the specific educational goals and services a student with a disability will receive.

Restorative justice programs in schools aim to resolve conflicts through dialogue and repairing relationships rather than suspension. How does this relate to educational equity?

Answer: It keeps students in school and reduces the disproportionate suspension of students of color

Restorative justice can reduce disciplinary inequities by resolving conflicts in ways that keep students — especially marginalized ones — connected to their education.

A new teacher notices that students from low-income families rarely raise their hands to answer questions. What equitable teaching strategy might help?

Answer: Use wait time and random call methods so all students have equal opportunity to participate

Using structured participation strategies like wait time and random calling ensures all students — regardless of background — have equal chances to engage.