Limited Opportunities
Students expressed concerns about equitable access to learning opportunities and resources, as well as the apparent limitations of access to leadership roles or social groups based on how they are traditionally organized or advertised.
“I remember one assignment and my cousin said, yeah, you know, everyone in the class got a book except us, and these two other girls got our books. So, some of them got two books and the teacher’s response was, ‘I’m saving them for next year.’ ”
“Include diverse learning materials. Create assignments that celebrate different cultures and religions. ”
“It’s important that teachers share resources with their students. There’s a cultural difference in what people know about the paths they can take.”
Summary — Limited Opportunities
Privilege can take the form of generational experience and expertise. Students from households where the parents are comfortable navigating school institutions have a leg up in identifying and taking advantage of opportunities and resources.
It’s incumbent on our schools and educators to make sure that all students have access to those opportunities and resources.