Discussion: Fair and Equitable?

As you have learned from the text and perhaps from your own experiences, characteristics such as gender, culture, socioeconomic status, learning styles, disabilities, and at-risk status can impact the ways that adults relate to and interact with children. As a professional, it is vital that you evaluate your own attitudes and strive to be fair, equitable, and proactive in your interactions with children and families.

Review the “Student Characteristics and Teacher Interaction” section (pages 245-266) of your text.

Then consider the following questions:

• What are some of the complex issues related to gender?
• What are some of the complex issues related to culture and diversity?
• Do all children have an equal opportunity to succeed in school?

Choose two characteristics covered in the section you reviewed that concern you the most in terms of the potential for inequitable treatment of young children.

Post your thoughts with regard to the following:

• Identify the two characteristics you chose, and explain why each is of special concern to you.
• Explain how you as a professional can advocate for young children and families in each area. Be sure to also explain how you will ensure that your own behavior with regard to each characteristic is fair and equitable to children you work with and their families.