The Purpose of Education for Blacks in the 21st Century: A Discussion of Fair and Equitable Education

By Christopher Harrison, M.Ed. & NNeka Harrison, M.Ed.

Equity is the outcome of fundamental laws and policies which, when enforced, should guarantee fair treatment and access to resources and programs for all students as well as outreach for parental involvement. Furthermore the educational environment must teach and promote the positive self-esteem needed to enable each student to make a productive contribution to his or her school, community, country and world.

The Washington State Human Rights Commission and the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Are all students performing at their optimal level? Are teacher attitudes toward student achievement promoting high academic expectations for all or just some?  Is there a connection between academic performance and high quality instruction. More specifically, what is the core issue surrounding the achievement gap for Black students. Many educators are defining the achievement gap as a gap between non-white and white students.

The late Dr. Asa Hilliard (a world renowned educational psychologist, lecturer, and Pan African leader) takes the time to address the achievement gap by redefining it as a gap between Blacks and excellence in education. He asserts that achievement and excellence with respect to African students is related to fair, equitable, appropriate and high quality instructional support.

Is this a common practice in most of our schools? 

The two topics, “equity and fairness” are emerging as serious issues of debate in discussions related to the achievement gap.

It seems that there is a great need for clarity around this issue. Although we would like to believe that educators are clear on the topic of equitable education, some of them are not clear about their practice at all. In fact, many educators approach their teaching as an uncertain craft (more specifically, the belief that their understanding is not clear and evolving). Although there is some validity to this viewpoint,

I agree with Dr. Hilliard as he asserts “there is no place in educational leadership for puzzled leaders - educators should be the masters of their own craft.”

Thus, I assert that teachers are leaders too.  Next Page