Equity Focus

High-quality education helps ensure that all children in the nation reach their full potential and succeed. The pandemic has exacerbated barriers to opportunity often already a reality for students and young children from historically underserved populations, including those with disabilities, English learners, those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, those experiencing homelessness, those in or formerly in foster care, LGBTQ+ students, undocumented children and families, student veterans and military-connected students and children, student parents, and international students.

“When President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, the Department of Education went straight to work delivering an unprecedented $130 billion to help schools safely reopen and welcome nearly 100 percent of America’s K-12 students back into the classroom for in-person learning…Today, the Department is advising State and local leaders on how they can continue leveraging American Rescue Plan funds to establish new summer and afterschool programs; grow and strengthen a talented and diverse educator workforce; and invest in tutors, counselors, and other school staff who can lessen the burden on teachers and help tend to our children's social, emotional, and mental health needs. From kindergarten to high school to college and careers, our North Star remains clear: a robust and equitable recovery that ensures every student is able to succeed and pursue their dreams.”
Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education

As the nation’s PreK-12 schools, early childhood programs, colleges and universities, and institutions of higher education continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, a distinct focus on expanding equity in education must remain top of mind. Communities have responded to the pandemic in innovative ways to ensure that students, young children, and families continue to have access to the tools they need to succeed, regardless of location or circumstance. Whether addressing connectivity needs, improving ventilation and air quality, providing necessities, collaborating with community stakeholders, or supporting students and young children from a wide variety of backgrounds, providers from early childhood education to higher education have worked diligently throughout the pandemic to ensure that students and young children continue to succeed. Now, as school communities work to not only recover, but thrive, educational equity remains a central element in academic planning.

The resources on this page share school, early childhood program, and campus strategies that specifically address equity. Teachers, early childhood providers, faculty, staff, schools, districts, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, other places of educational instruction, and States may use these lessons learned, best practices, and Federal resources to ensure equity within all aspects of their education systems and to provide ongoing supports to those most impacted by the pandemic.

Diverse group of school children standing in front of chalkboard holding books, reciting in unison

An Asset-Based Approach to Multilingual Learner Terminology

Research shows how the terms used by school systems to identify some multilingual learners, such as “English Learner” or “long-term English Learner,” affect students’ and teachers’ perceptions of their abilities and potential — which, in turn, may affect students’ access to opportunities and their academic achievement. Ensuring that asset-based approaches are taken up requires that both policymakers and practitioners understand the purposes for which different terms are used to identify and describe multilingual learners and their affordances and limitations across educational settings.

Collage of different English learners

English Learner Family Toolkit

This toolkit provides families of English learners with information, tips, and resources that help answer common questions about U.S. public schools. The toolkit is designed to help families of English learners navigate the U.S. public school system and support their child in obtaining a high-quality education.

White box on a blue background with the statement Beyond the Box 2023

Advancing Equity Beyond the Box: Addressing Persistent Barriers to Accessing High-Quality, Affordable Postsecondary Education for Currently and Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

This guide provides knowledge, practice recommendations, and resources for higher education institutions to address equitable access for students who are or have been incarcerated. It includes narratives from formerly incarcerated students, leaders of organizations and institutions that work with formerly incarcerated students, and advocates of criminal justice reform, as well as research and analysis of promising practices.

The Circles of Reflection

Introducing Circles of Reflection: A Toolkit for SEAs

Circles of Reflection is a collaborative process that engages state education agencies (SEAs), school districts, and Tribes in rich and reflective discussions about Native students’ academic and personal well-being. It’s an effective way for SEAs to lead with equity and ensure Tribal voices are at the forefront of Native education.

The word hello in many different languages

Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center: Planning Guide for Starting Dual Language Programs

This guide supports State and local education leaders in planning, implementing, and evaluating dual language programs.

Asian disabled children in wheelchairs and woman teacher enjoying and playing guitar

Promoting Progress for Students With Disabilities (PROGRESS Center): Six Key Instructional Practices for Accelerating Learning and Promoting Progress for Students With Disabilities

This Webinar highlights key evidence-based instructional practices that help advance outcomes for students with and at risk for disabilities.

Submit Your Lessons Learned and Best Practices

Have a lessons learned or best practice focused on helping to ensure equity as schools and campuses continue to recover from the pandemic? Visit the Best Practices Submission page to view details on submission requirements, and then e-mail bestpracticesclearinghouse@seiservices.com to share your lessons learned or best practice.

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