Introduction
Before discussing the what is the significance of the equity and equality in education, it is imperative to understand the meaning of equity and equality. The term equity means that giving the right proportion to what is required to be successful for an individual. On the other hand, equality turns out in the shape of fairness. The dilemma occurs when in various countries the private sector is expanding and in certain countries depend exclusively on the public sector that is required to take the responsibility of providing education to the citizens. The motive behind these two sectors although providing the same services to the masses turnout difficult. There is a number of differences not only in the motives but other as well. Such as the purpose of the education for the public sector is to provide basic welfare to the public by fulfilling their one of the basic necessities of life that are education. On the other hand, the private sector looks after the wealth maximization and the profitability of its stakeholders as well. However, the differences in the quality of education also matter between the two sectors (Roche, S. 2013).
Discussion
Role of federal and State Governments
Governments at all the levels play their part in strengthening the literacy rate within the country. However, the expectations of the people are more inclined towards the federal government as it constitutes more powers and is giving with the responsibility to maintain harmony within the state systems through the laws that are binding upon the states. However, the role of the state governments cannot be denied in this regard, they are the actual determining bodies regarding the educational policymaking. The legal understanding suggests that the 10th amendment in the constitution has made education as a function of the states. However, states administer the schools with the help of the district state governments. Thus those districts that have more resources and whose socio-economic levels are also higher tend to provide more resources to the schools. This helps to maintain the quality of education. Thus, funding and providing adequate resources on equity and equality basis can help the governments to improve the standard of education within the states. The deficiency of the required budget hampers the performance of any school. The states where the socio-economic conditions are not better enough, the probability of inclination of the people towards education is predicted to be less as compared to the other states those are not facing the similar issues.
Further, the access to education at all levels is very important. It is the duty of the government to bring those who need education from all walks of life and provide education to them on equal basis whereas the concept of equity fits in the framework when the government sets the standard or a benchmark and the candidates are selected on merit for the allocation of the duties. Various countries observe quota system in order to benefit those individuals who are less privileged and cannot afford to get an education (“Find Laws, Legal Information, and Attorneys – FindLaw”,2018).
Conclusions
In a nutshell, the concept of equity and education in the education system is very crucial in order to maintain a unified standard throughout the country. The role of the governments at all levels whether it is federal, state or the district levels cannot be ignored while designing the educational policy for the particular area as the law had made education the subject of the states. However but this may have the negative implications, for instance, the socio-economic conditions and the lack of proper funding may hinder the equality and effectiveness in the education provided by the states and local municipalities.
References
Roche, S. (2013). Equity and equality in education. International Review of Education, 59(1), 1-5.
The Roles of Federal and State Governments in Education – FindLaw. (2018). Findlaw. Retrieved 16 April 2018, from https://education.findlaw.com/curriculum-standards-school-funding/the-roles-of-federal-and-state-governments-in-education.html
