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Designing an Equitable Classroom

Applying an equity lens to classroom design

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Welcome to��Start Strong

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Objectives

New Insights

Intentionality

Accessibility Tools

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Defining Equity

What does this mean for students?

Equity Lens

The metaphor of a lens allows us to see our contexts in new and revealing ways.

BARRIERS

→ STRENGTHS

ACCESS

→ OPPORTUNITY

We’ve begun to define equity.

Thinking of the idea of an equity lens as a way to trigger a shift in our paradigms, we’re able to more clearly see the barriers our students have to navigate, then shift our approach more to “How can I support you to better leverage your strengths” That’s SELF ADVOCACY, right?�EXAMPLE: (give a quick anecdote)

Applying a lens of equity when looking at Access allows us to more clearly see inequalities - which in turn enables us to close the opportunity gap.�EXAMPLE: (give a quick anecdote)

What’s most interesting, however, are the reflective properties of an equity lens. Our intentions are set to truly SEE our student and better understand her or his circumstances and support needs. What’s actually happens when we submit to the process is - we see a reflection of our own values. As we dig deeper, we begin to uncover what has contributed to shaping those values.�

What does this mean for our students? How do we turn these ideas into action?

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Break Out Activity

Sketch a classroom floor plan and make a list of intentional equity design choices

Physical & Instructional Design Elements

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What does equity look like

in your classroom?

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Physical Design Elements

Placement

Student input

Font style and size

Visual Anchors

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Seating arrangement

Sensory stimulation

Specific accommodations

Physical Design Elements

Furniture &�Arrangement

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Physical Design Elements

Where it is displayed

How and how often

Criteria for choosing

Student Work

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Instructional Design Elements

Access to content

Proximity to resources

Technology Access

Access Equity

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Instructional Design Elements

Chromebooks

iPads

Instructional Software

Technology Use

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Apply new insights when defining equity

Use your definitions in intentional ways

Use specific accessibility tools to address opportunity gaps�

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We are working to make equity

more actionable, less philosophical.

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Thank You

Feedback Survey

Shawn Jackson

shawn.etal.jackson@gmail.com

Closing the Equity Gap: Creating Equity in the Classroom

(Hanover Research Brief)�