Equity and Fairness in education

References:

Canuel, R. (2011) Equity in Education: Next Steps. Education Canada, 51(5), pg. 44

Crook. K, Truscott D. (2007). Ethics and Law for Teachers. Toronto, On: Nelson Education

Zine. J. (2010) Inclusive Schooling in a Plural Society: Removing the Margins. Canada: Education Canada.

Dewart V. Calgary Board of Education, 2004 AHRC (CanLii), <http://canlii.ca> retreived on 2015-02-28

Case Study

Ethics and law: Textbook

what I would do:

- in this situation with a student like James, communication would be very important.

- speak to the mother, and attend to the students needs, find a way to work with James and fight for James in a way that works for all!

- Following the laws and ethical guidlines.

The text and the ATA code of conduct will explain the ethical rules that were broken by the Calgary school board, and laws that were broken.

Quotes: "Teachers are responsible to the societies in which they live and work and by extension to the welfare of members of those societies. " (Crook and Truscott 148)

"Human rights and liberties are safegaurded.." (pg. 148), as was not done in the case of James Dewart. The Charter of rights and Freedoms was broken, as the final verdict said, he was discriminated against.

Bringing it all together:

- James Dewart was unfairly treated by the Calgary Board of Education. - He started as ADHD student, had an accident and ended up in a coma, when he woke he had more mental difficulties, including rage, short term memory, ADHD.

-James Dewart was in an accident causing him to need more one on one attention and accommodations, which the Calgary school board failed to give.

- a case of inequality and unfair treatment within the school system.

-forced out of schools and into a private school, misunderstanding with teachers and family and doctors left James with no assistance with his educational needs.

- equality in the classroom does not mean everyone is the same, but means that teachers can and should accommodate students needs to help them feel equal in the classroom.

- seen in the case study, in the article next steps, and in removing the margins

Verdict

Argument:

Chief commissioner of the human rights and citizenship commission decided James Dewart was unfairly treated.

- after the accident he was not having his needs met.

- CBE violated medical prevlidges.

- CBE brook down talks, and failed to make decisions

- CBE had to pay back $6288, for private school tuition that the parents were forced to pay, while trying to find a good school for James.

Ethics and Law

Equity and Fairness in Education

The job of schools, teachers and administration is to teach and promote equality in the classroom and to try and keep the classroom fair and equal.

-" The teacher teaches in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of all persons without prejudice as to race, religious beliefs, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics, age, ancestry or place of origin. " (ATA code of conduct)

Equity in Education: Next Steps

Inclusive Schooling in a Plural Society: Removing the Margins

Topics: - Assessment as key to shifting classroom teaching practice and truly addressing the needs of all children in the classroom

- states that equality in schools need to be improved

- "Insights on how best to improve the learning and teaching conditions in the classroom." (Canuel, p.44)

Quotes:

relationship to the case:

"Adapting classroom practices and encouraging deeper links between the school and the community can and do play vital roles in the creation of an equitable educational system." (Canuel, p.44)

" We owe all of our students, regardless of background, a better fate, preparing them to be successful...." (Canuel, p.44)

quotes:

This paper and the quotes in it prove that if you were teaching a student like James Dewart you have and obligations to create an equal classroom environment, that allows the student to learn and participate.

- Anti-racism education

- euro centric focus in the curriculum

-Marginalized youth

- Education is "a means toward greater social justice and equity in schools and society."( Zine, p. 37)

-Tips to make schools more equal

"anti-racism is a movement away from traditional approaches toward the inclusion of racial minority or ethnic cultures in schooling that 'celebrates differences' rather than dealing directly with the issues of power and subordination that are often masked by multiculturalism" (Zine, p. 37)

"teachers need to challenge the status quo, create diverse communities, and affrim different knowledge, experiences, culture and histories." ( Zine, p.37)

In relation to the case:

Though racism in a classroom is different than discrimination against a special needs student they are both horrible mistreatments of students. Dealing the racism in the classrooom will make the classroom more equal.

- This reading is to provide helpful ways to make classrooms more equal for all, and gives a better understanding of the inequality that exists in the current school system.