Fair dinkum! Social Justice and Equity in your School

Fair go, fair share, fair say, fair content!

FAIR GO is about equal opportunities and the way schools are organised and run

students from all backgrounds have opportunities for success
classrooms and schools are organised so students do their best
access to learning is not limited by personal circumstances
well-trained, committed, caring and knowledgeable teachers
recognition and working with diversity
no discrimination of any kind and effective grievance procedures
parents have access to information and support to assist learning

FAIR SHARE is about ways resources are shared so that priority is given to those students who need them most

all students get the benefits of education for future life and employment opportunities
students’ strenghts and needs are known and acted upon
students most needing extra support, get it
high quality teaching and learning materials including technology for everyone
students from all communities achieve literacy and numeracy standards valued in Australia
teachers work with parents and communities to back their students

FAIR SAY is where students, their families, teachers and community members have the right to express their views and to be heard

students express their identities without harassment
students have a sense of belonging and feel safe at school
language is used thoughtfully and respectfully within the school
relationships are based on respect, trust and recognition of differences
teachers provide honest and constructive feedback to students and parents
schools listen to the views of students, parents and communities
students, teachers and parents can influence decisions that affect them

FAIR CONTENT is about what is taught and how it is taught

students know about and have access to the full range of subjects available to them
activities are realistic and connected to the students’ present and future lives
lessons value and build on students’ backgrounds. knowledge, skills and values
learning experiences are inclusive of student cultures and gender
students, teachers and family members talk about learning and assessment
learning is negotiated between teachers, parents and students

Additional resources:

Social Justice and Equity Principles
Priority Schools Funding Program, Support Sheet #1
Student Services and Equity Programs
NSW Department of Education and Training 2002

Source:

Priority School Funding Program
Equity Coordination Unit, Student Services and Equity Programs
Copyright 2002 NSW Department of Education and Training

Theme: Countering racism – education, policy, legislation – Culture, language and identity – Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination