equity in education: taking control of the national agenda

Equity in education: taking Equity in education: taking control of the national control of the national

agendaagenda

The Centre for Equity in EducationThe Centre for Equity in Education

AimsAims

• Analyse the strategic implications of Analyse the strategic implications of the current policy context the current policy context

• Consider research evidence which Consider research evidence which relates to the challenges of promoting relates to the challenges of promoting equity equity


Questions about equity in Questions about equity in education education

• What’s equity about?What’s equity about?• What’s going on in education?What’s going on in education?• What can we learn from what’s What can we learn from what’s

happening?happening?• Are there new directions in policy? Are there new directions in policy? • What should we do? How can we take What should we do? How can we take

control?control?


What is equity?What is equity?

• Equity as equalityEquity as equality

• Equity as minimising gaps between Equity as minimising gaps between the most and least advantagedthe most and least advantaged

• Equity as everybody meeting a Equity as everybody meeting a certain standardcertain standard

• Equity as meeting the needs of all Equity as meeting the needs of all individualsindividuals


Policy dilemmasPolicy dilemmas

Excellence and equity:Excellence and equity:• can we have both?can we have both?• can one create the conditions for can one create the conditions for

the other? the other?


Policy ingredientsPolicy ingredients

ChoiceChoiceCompetitionCompetitionRegulationRegulationTargeted resourcingTargeted resourcingAutonomyAutonomyCentralisationCentralisation


Policy ingredients ( cont.)Policy ingredients ( cont.)

• How do these play out?How do these play out?

• What are the impacts on What are the impacts on learners?learners?

• What are the equity issues What are the equity issues arising?arising?


Questions about equity in Questions about equity in education education

• What’s equity about?What’s equity about?• What’s going on in education?What’s going on in education?• What can we learn from what’s What can we learn from what’s

happening?happening?• Are there new directions in policy? Are there new directions in policy? • What should we do? How can we take What should we do? How can we take

control?control?


New policy directions New policy directions

• PersonalisationPersonalisation• Collaboration Collaboration • Integration Integration


Schools White Paper Schools White Paper

• Schools – Trusts, specialisms……Schools – Trusts, specialisms……• Improved choice and accessImproved choice and access• Parent powerParent power• AccountabilityAccountability• Individualised learningIndividualised learning• DisciplineDiscipline• New role for Local AuthoritiesNew role for Local Authorities


Challenging questionsChallenging questions

• Can the link between social Can the link between social background and inequity be broken?background and inequity be broken?

• Can equity and excellence be Can equity and excellence be reconciled?reconciled?

• Can equity be enhanced in education Can equity be enhanced in education and through education? and through education?


Taking controlTaking control

• What should we do? What should we do?

• How can we be supported?How can we be supported?

• What should national policy do?What should national policy do?


equity in education: taking control of the national agenda

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