Coaching for Equity

Coaching for Equity

Front: "Computer science for all students requires that equity [fairness, justice] be at the forefront of any reform effort. When equity exists, there are appropriate supports based on individual students' needs so that all have the opportunity to achieve similar levels of success. Equity is not just about whether classes are available, but also about how those classes are taught, how students are recruited, and how the classroom culture supports diverse learners and promotes retention." Equity is not the same as equality, which denotes sameness. Our commitment to equity is a commitment to access for students of all identities and abilities.

Back: Coaching for equity requires that we help teachers think through factors like race, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, and English language proficiency, to create learning activities with high expectations and access for all. In a classroom framed by equity, all students feel welcome and empowered to learn. During initial meetings, coaches and teachers should review the identities and abilities of all learners. These should be top of mind as lessons are planned: Is there representation in the curriculum materials? Are any disabilities accommodated? Are any stereotypes removed, mitigated, or raised for discussion? Embracing an explicit equity focus may create discomfort, but will ultimately build teacher practice.

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