# data[].attributes.body
This image is one that I normally would see when thinking about special education/UDL.  This image suggests that giving everyone what they NEED is not always equal.  I believe the author of this book would suggest taking down the fence all together.

# data[].attributes.body
I have seen this picture many times, but it is interesting to analyze it with a new lens of how Lisa Delpit my view it. I think she would think more deeply about what the boxes or 'building blocks' are made up of to create equity for each individual student. In her book she suggests three steps that must be present in order for a student to feel fully included and engaged: they need to know that their ability is believed in, that one number or assessment does not define them, and who they are as an individual needs to be appreciated. What each of these ideas looks like is different for each individual student, but how that stacks up for each individual would be similar to the additional 'boxes' that are needed for equity.

# data[].attributes.body
I show this image to my class at the beginning of the year as part of a slideshow talking about equality vs equity. I also think of this more from the lens of all students having what they need not necessarily having the same. I struggle with this as being used for racial equity. In the book it spoke about not making the work easier but more connecting it back to the individual student. Connecting back to things that connect to a student on a personal level. For instance real life word problems. The book spoke of a teacher setting up a math activity all around getting hair done.Starting a business around that. The students were engaged and excited to participate. It was said originally that some of the students were even labeled as troubled and not smart. These students were actively engaged and participating fully. I also struggle with the picture being that the people are outside the fence. I understand that I am taking this literally, but I would like to see these people included on the other side of the fence. The book spoke about the importance of community. I would like to see these people feel more a part of the community inside the fence.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that this image demonstrates the difference between equity and equality in a general sense, but I don't think it demonstrates racial equity. I think that the author would want us to work on reminding students that rather then watching the game from atop crates, they are capable enough to close the gap by going around.

# data[].attributes.body
I agree with many comments that were already stated.  If this were truly equitable, I would think that the people watching the game would be in the stands with everyone else and not outside the fence.

# data[].attributes.body
I think I struggle with this being a good representation for racial equity because it seems to have an undertone that someone's race has more deficiencies than another's. It doesn't seem quite right that we would be thinking about racial equity as removing barriers on people's race so that they could watch the game. Rather, we should be thinking about do our students even care about the game, or is that what we are trying to get them to care about. A big focus of the reading this week was about understanding students so that you can engage them in something that deeply interests them, while providing rigorous expectations and tasks for students to work on. Baseball always gets me as an example because I have 0 interest in it. Anything about it I'm already tuned out. I think racial equity should be thinking about how can we reimagine our classrooms/curriculum so that we tap into our students identity and allow them to explore what interests them and what is important to them as a way of making it through curriculum standards. This reading really connects with the racial equity PD I took earlier in the summer, one of the big takeaways being how can I decolonize my curriculum so that there are diverse perspectives and cultures represented and celebrated.

# data[].attributes.body
What I took away from this week's reading is that the problem with trying to create equitable educational opportunities for all is that black and brown children are still viewed through a deficit lens. While this image definitely had it's place in starting the conversation about equity vs. equality, it's time for us to evolve. Yes, equity means that everyone gets what they need as opposed to everyone receiving the same thing/treatment. However, we need to also acknowledge the fact that black and brown people are still so stigmatized as less than. I believe that Lisa Delpit would suggest that this image needs some updating. She might say that the picture does not fully illustrate the problem as it truly exists. She might suggest updating it to include images that do not show the two shorter children as having something wrong with them that would require intervention, rather that the image show the inequity in the environment. This week's reading really emphasized the importance of understanding that there is no true biological basis for an achievement gap, "but rather between black children's performance and these same children's exponentially greater potential." As educators, we need to actually teach these children,  examine and confront biases, and lastly help all students connect with the curricula.  The article below helps to provide a different perspective on the image.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We've all seen this picture, right?

In a picture-is-worth-1,000-words kind of way, this image simplifies the profound difference between equality and equity. From this picture people have actually begun to understand that treating everyone equally doesn't lead to equity, and in fact, equal treatment often perpetuates and justifies racial hierarchies. Yes, this picture has taught us a lot.

But, it's time to move on.
This picture -the noble imagery of the equity movement - is white supremacy at work.
Sorry folks. But it's true.

First and foremost, the shortest boy is positioned as the problem. He needs multiple boxes to see over the fence. He's the one who is the pathology: he's literally less than the others. The shortest boy is - by sheer presentation alone - not whole, not normal, especially compared to the tallest boy. And because he is shorter he is seen as the problem, he needs more help. He is by fact, needy.
Dominant and oppressive narratives about people of color bleed into this picture: people of color are less than and thus, need more.
This is white supremacy. This feeds into the oh-so-familiar racist politic - people of color have little to offer, and yet take so many public resources. Heard that before haven't you?

Even those who "center equity" feed into this framework - people of color need our resources because they're too broken to have their own. Volunteered with that organization maybe?

It is high time to rid ourselves of these white supremacy-laden "equity" ideas, and actually recognize the full humanity and capabilities of people of color.

Imagine if you will, 3 people -all the same goddamn size. The ground beneath them slopes, buckling beneath one person so significantly that person cannot see over the fence at all. The foundation on which these people stand is unequal, and that foundation, might we even say systemic, difference leads to some being able to watch the baseball game, while others cannot.

Yes, the person who is on the slope requires a box or two to stand on, but it is only because they are on lower ground to start - not because they are shorter to begin with.

As useful as the picture was in starting conversations around "Equality vs. Equity," we are basically blaming the person for being short, when in reality, we aren't standing on a level playing field to start. We aren't *allowed* to stand on a level playing field.
In fact, we are - by reason of policy, practice, prejudice, and bias - forced to stand on a lower level ... AND then told we should be happy to be near the game at all. All while not given enough boxes to see over the fence.
The unequal ground we are forced to stand on is the aspect of the picture we need to change. Understanding that those boxes are necessary because of the sloping ground is key to undoing white supremacy. With this new picture, let us decolonize the rules of where we stand and why.

That is equity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
This 'Equity' picture is actually White Supremacy at work

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In a picture-is-worth-1,000-words kind of way, this image simplifies the profound difference between equality and equity. From this picture people have actually begun to understand that treating...

# data[].attributes.headline
Equity and Equality are often mistaken - one for the other.  Equity is the elusive aim.

# data[].attributes.subject
Equity and Equality are often mistaken - one for the other.  Equity is the elusive aim.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose the book I am reading because Raising Expectations is the key to progress for our students.