Equality,+Equity,+and+Adequacy

The term "equality" means everything is equal. Everyone is on a level playing field. Any student that comes into a public school has the right to receive the same education as all of the other students. This "equal education" is guaranteed regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, or any other factor that may exist. "Equity" is also a familiar term in education. Equity means something that is fair. Texas's school funding formula attempts to provide funds that are fair for each school district. Districts with high special education populations receive more funds to help educate these students. Another example is districts with high at-risk students receive more compensatory funds to help educate their at-risk students. I think the most debated term outlining Texas education is "adequacy." Adequacy means sufficient. What is adequate funding for a district is a very objective debate. I dare say every district in the state of Texas feels like they are not adequately funded. The legislature feels like public schools are adequately funded, and the courts have also ruled that funding is adequate. With the new STAAR test coming advertised as much tougher than TAKS, will funding still be considered adequate to reach the new standards that will be set. We are asking teachers and students to do more with the same funding that has been in place since 2006 and now the funding is even lower. I think this debate will continue for some time.