NY School Uses UN to Teach 5th Graders About ‘Equity
A Group of Middle Schoolers in New York Taught about Equity vs Equality Using United Nations Resources
A group of middle schoolers in New York were recently introduced to the concepts of “equity” and “equality” through an engaging lesson plan that incorporated materials from the United Nations. The lesson took place during a field trip to Herricks High School in Long Island, where fifth graders from Herricks Middle School had the opportunity to explore the differences between these two important concepts. The lesson plan, obtained by Parents Defending Education, revealed that the materials used were heavily influenced by the U.N.’s goals and resources.
Exploring Educational Equity and UN Goals
The lesson plan highlighted the theme of “Educational Equity,” which aligns with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal 4. The goal aims to provide educational equity across the developing world. Students were encouraged to evaluate the progress made towards achieving these goals and create their own projects showcasing the efforts being made globally to meet the U.N.’s objectives. The document from the school emphasized the importance of using the U.N.’s goals as a framework to understand the steps taken so far and the support provided by the U.N. in achieving these goals.
Parents Defending Education’s Investigation
Parents Defending Education, a group advocating for parental rights, obtained the lesson plan after filing a public records request. The request was made following the school’s Facebook post, which mentioned that fifth-grade students had learned about the distinction between equity and equality during their visit to the high school. The document shed light on the materials used and the influence of the U.N. in shaping the lesson.
Equity in Education and Political Activism
While some of the materials addressed the challenges faced by education systems in places like Africa, it is important to note that the concept of equity in education has been utilized by certain teachers to promote politically charged activism in the classroom. Parents Defending Education highlighted that one of the U.N.’s sustainable development goals is to promote “global citizenship education” worldwide, with a particular focus on climate change. This raises concerns about the potential politicization of traditional education.
Understanding the Difference between Equity and Equality
According to one of the U.N. resources referenced in the lesson plan, equity and equality are not synonymous. Equality means providing the same resources to everyone, while equity involves giving more resources to those who need them the most. The resource also pointed out that countries with greater inequity in education often distribute resources based on political pressure, which can hinder equal access to education.
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Concerns about Politicization of Education
Caroline Moore, the vice president of Parents Defending Education, expressed concerns about using U.N. concepts in education, as it may jeopardize traditional education and introduce politicized ideologies. Moore emphasized that American exceptionalism and merit-based principles should be prioritized over relying on U.N. standards. She criticized Herricks Public Schools for teaching students that they are either “oppressed” or “oppressors” based on their race, and for promoting predetermined outcomes. Moore believes that all students have the ability to achieve their academic goals, especially when districts prioritize academics over activism.
The Daily Wire reached out to Herricks Public Schools for comment.
What role should parents and the local community play in shaping the curriculum and ensuring a balanced and unbiased education for students
Promoting equity, other materials seemed to promote a more political perspective. The lesson plan included activities where students would research and analyze data on educational disparities and inequalities. However, it also encouraged the students to brainstorm ways to address these issues and present their ideas to local government officials. This approach seems to blur the line between educational instruction and political activism.
The involvement of the United Nations in an American middle school’s curriculum raises questions about the influence of global organizations on local education. While it is important for students to understand the importance of equity and equality in education, the use of UN resources in teaching these concepts may present a biased perspective, as the organization’s goals are influenced by its own political agenda.
A Balanced Approach to Education
In order to provide students with a well-rounded education, it is essential to present multiple perspectives on complex issues like equity and equality. While the United Nations’ goals and resources can be valuable tools for understanding global challenges, it is important to also incorporate different viewpoints and perspectives into the curriculum. This allows students to develop critical thinking skills and form their own opinions based on a variety of information sources.
Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that students are taught about the foundations of democracy and the importance of individual rights within a society. Teaching students about political activism without providing a balanced understanding of different political ideologies may lead to a biased and one-sided perspective.
The Role of Parents and Community in Education
The involvement of parents and the local community in shaping the curriculum is essential to ensure that education remains balanced and unbiased. Parents should have the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process and have access to the materials being used in the classroom. This transparency allows for open dialogue between parents, educators, and school administrators, fostering a collaborative approach to education.
Conclusion
The introduction of concepts such as equity and equality at a young age is important for fostering a fair and just society. However, it is crucial to provide students with a balanced and unbiased education, incorporating multiple perspectives on complex topics. While the use of United Nations’ resources can be beneficial, it is important to critically evaluate their influence and ensure that education remains focused on academic instruction rather than political activism. Involving parents and the local community in the education process helps to create a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for the challenges of the future while respecting the diverse perspectives within society.
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