Designing Equitable Learning Environments: Getting to Know Your Class

Gathering information regarding students' social and emotional needs is just as important as assessing existing knowledge of academic content. This tool will support you in your effort to get to know your students at the beginning of the year. “Not all students come to school with the same background, skills, learning styles, or prerequisite knowledge. Educational equity involves providing students with the supports that they individually need to succeed.” - Dr. Nancy Sulla, Students Taking Charge (2 nd Edition) At the start of the school year, students are often engaged in activities in which they get to know one another as well as classroom rules and procedures. At this time, many teachers gather data through foundational assessments. At the start of the year, it is equally important to understand the background, interests, culture, and social interactions of each of your students. As stated above, educational equity means looking at each of your students individually and knowing wha