In pursuit of equity

Susan Ann Enfield

Since the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2002, public schools have been held accountable like never before for producing gains in student achievement. Districts nationwide must ensure that all students, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, meet annual proficiency targets in reading and mathematics. Consequently, many are attempting to distribute their financial and human resources equitably rather than equally, so that those students with greater needs receive a greater share of district services. Research within the last decade has established that those districts with higher populations of English Language Learners, low-income and special education students often require additional resources to ensure the achievement of all students district-wide. As a result, researchers and practitioners have begun to distinguish between "equal" and "equitable" distribution...