Equity and Distance Learning

[Anonymous]

After reading through several threads laying out the debate for and against pods from the equity lens, I have started applying it to other things I am getting my kids for distance learning. Looking for some honest thoughts from people who are genuinely grappling with/concerned about the issues of equity and distance learning.

For instance, I can afford to buy my kids laptops which will work better than the old Ipad and Iphone we let them use last spring. I think this is a need for a long term solution to distance learning and we will not qualify (nor would we ask) for district provided computers. We are also considering getting them each a desk for their rooms. Something we imagined we would buy when they were in Middle School but are willing to get now- again, because we can afford to. Beyond that, we want to get them their typical supplies and possibly some extra games/activities that might complement the distance learning. We have not considered Pods as an option.

On the one hand, these things seem sort of necessary for our family because with two working parents we need the kids to be set up somewhere quiet/away from us. Sharing devices was miserable and the small devices did not function as well.

On the other hand, I am feeling bad about the issue of equity. I know that it is only because of my privilege that we are able to do this for our kids and I worry about what that means. Regardless of what I do, there are huge equity issues at play during this time. So what responsibility do we, as individuals have. At what point do we cut ourselves off from "opportunity hoarding." If Pods are controversial, shouldn't these things (computers, desks, supplies, etc) also be controversial? Where do we draw the line?

[Anonymous]

Can’t you answer these questions yourself without starting a thread that will eventually devolve into insensitive comments? Figure out what you can do. Purchase an additional laptop or iPad for a low-income family or a desk. Take the lead in your own life, OP, instead putting the issue of inequality out for others to respond to.

[Anonymous]

Lol this is getting so dumb. Let’s all just stop eating since some kids are starving. I feel so guilty just eating

[Anonymous]

Voice your opinion to your school district and elected officials re equity. Make a donation if you wan to an organization that supports low income communities. But- you don't need to deprive your own children by not giving them what they need for this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After reading through several threads laying out the debate for and against pods from the equity lens, I have started applying it to other things I am getting my kids for distance learning. Looking for some honest thoughts from people who are genuinely grappling with/concerned about the issues of equity and distance learning.

For instance, I can afford to buy my kids laptops which will work better than the old Ipad and Iphone we let them use last spring. I think this is a need for a long term solution to distance learning and we will not qualify (nor would we ask) for district provided computers. We are also considering getting them each a desk for their rooms. Something we imagined we would buy when they were in Middle School but are willing to get now- again, because we can afford to. Beyond that, we want to get them their typical supplies and possibly some extra games/activities that might complement the distance learning. We have not considered Pods as an option.

On the one hand, these things seem sort of necessary for our family because with two working parents we need the kids to be set up somewhere quiet/away from us. Sharing devices was miserable and the small devices did not function as well.

On the other hand, I am feeling bad about the issue of equity. I know that it is only because of my privilege that we are able to do this for our kids and I worry about what that means. Regardless of what I do, there are huge equity issues at play during this time. So what responsibility do we, as individuals have. At what point do we cut ourselves off from "opportunity hoarding." If Pods are controversial, shouldn't these things (computers, desks, supplies, etc) also be controversial? Where do we draw the line?

Let's not pretend that there has ever been any sort of equality in education, opportunity or anything else. Wealthy kids with parents invested in their success are always going to have an advantage over poor kids, kids whose families don't care, neglected, malnourished and abused kids. Of course, isn't that kind of the point? There is no real controversy about wanting your kids to be successful. Do the best you can. If you can help someone else, that's good too.

[Anonymous]

DCUM is NOT the place to try to have this conversation. Try facebook or your school's listserv. It is something we have to think about. How can we get all kids what they need to learn in school THIS year. The problem in your case is that what they need likely doesn't have to do with desks or bigger computers. The school will provide computers, as for the desks and many things middle class parents get their kids - they don't make a difference and are really window dressing. Kids need a calm environment during they are where they are not under stress. It is what school once provided. How do we get them that. We have a month to figure it out.

[Anonymous]

Let's not pretend that there has ever been any sort of equality in education, opportunity or anything else. Wealthy kids with parents invested in their success are always going to have an advantage over poor kids, kids whose families don't care, neglected, malnourished and abused kids. Of course, isn't that kind of the point? There is no real controversy about wanting your kids to be successful. Do the best you can. If you can help someone else, that's good too.

Wow. Just—wow. What a load of BS assumptions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Let's not pretend that there has ever been any sort of equality in education, opportunity or anything else. Wealthy kids with parents invested in their success are always going to have an advantage over poor kids, kids whose families don't care, neglected, malnourished and abused kids. Of course, isn't that kind of the point? There is no real controversy about wanting your kids to be successful. Do the best you can. If you can help someone else, that's good too.

Wow. Just—wow. What a load of BS assumptions.

Right. What educational advantage does being poor and neglected give you over the kid whose parents came home after work and tutored or hired someone else to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Let's not pretend that there has ever been any sort of equality in education, opportunity or anything else. Wealthy kids with parents invested in their success are always going to have an advantage over poor kids, kids whose families don't care, neglected, malnourished and abused kids. Of course, isn't that kind of the point? There is no real controversy about wanting your kids to be successful. Do the best you can. If you can help someone else, that's good too.

Families who are poor are also deeply invested in their kids success. And privilege isn't neutral, it naturally disadvantages some while lifting others up.

[Anonymous]

I can’t wait to move back to Europe after all this BS is over. Or sooner if possible. Y’all are insane. No personal agency anymore, which is why we moved here in the first place! But the schools are terrible here, including the pricey private schools. So much agenda and so little learning or breadth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can’t wait to move back to Europe after all this BS is over. Or sooner if possible. Y’all are insane. No personal agency anymore, which is why we moved here in the first place! But the schools are terrible here, including the pricey private schools. So much agenda and so little learning or breadth.

As a southerner who lived in Europe for a few years, I’ve never heard a European use the term y’all. Where are you from?

[Anonymous]

What really gets me are the people who claim we need to reopen schools because children are being abused in the home.

Really??? Then let's work towards getting kids away from abusive parents. School shouldn't be the solution to that. If you know children are being abused, what are you doing to create real solution for protecting them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t wait to move back to Europe after all this BS is over. Or sooner if possible. Y’all are insane. No personal agency anymore, which is why we moved here in the first place! But the schools are terrible here, including the pricey private schools. So much agenda and so little learning or breadth.

As a southerner who lived in Europe for a few years, I’ve never heard a European use the term y’all. Where are you from?

Have heard some Germans use it, maybe because it maps so nicely to second person plural ihr/euch/euer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What really gets me are the people who claim we need to reopen schools because children are being abused in the home.

Really??? Then let's work towards getting kids away from abusive parents. School shouldn't be the solution to that. If you know children are being abused, what are you doing to create real solution for protecting them?

It's not always parents abusing the kids. It's parents fighting each other in front of the kids. I had that happen and I went from A student to wanting to move away or kill myself. Being at school was a break but I also needed this break at night. Some other lady took us in. I still cry when I see grown-up fight in front of the children. It's child abuse and nobody who is being abused like that can concentrate on schoolwork.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t wait to move back to Europe after all this BS is over. Or sooner if possible. Y’all are insane. No personal agency anymore, which is why we moved here in the first place! But the schools are terrible here, including the pricey private schools. So much agenda and so little learning or breadth.

As a southerner who lived in Europe for a few years, I’ve never heard a European use the term y’all. Where are you from?

Have heard some Germans use it, maybe because it maps so nicely to second person plural ihr/euch/euer.

It has entered slang in several languages as an English borrow word. The same way you hear people of all backgrounds use Yiddish, black vernacular English, and Spanish slang.