Factors of Equity in Student-Centered Learning: An Overview

It's indisputable: if we can't ensure fairness in education, it's time for a serious rethink of our approaches.

For many education leaders, the concept of student-centered learning carries immense potential. But how can we guarantee its implementation prioritizes fairness? Can this method be a driving force in advancing equitable efforts? And where does student-centered learning stand in the broader discussion about fairness in education?

Crucial Equity Considerations in Implementing Student-Centered Learning The Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NME), focusing on equity and student-centered learning in New England, partnered with the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color and the Education Development Center to delve into racial equity concerns within their existing student-centered framework.

Through interviews and focus groups across New England, the report’s authors gleaned invaluable perspectives:

Most participants believed that student-centered learning could contribute significantly to wider equity in schools, provided it clearly addressed racial equity. Integrating student-centered learning with racial equity goals should be rooted in practical local contexts, involving meaningful community engagement. Community organizations, deeply rooted in their communities and adaptable to new practices, could serve as vital hubs for hosting equity-driven student-centered learning programs. Emphasizing Collaboration in Equitable Student-Centered Learning When schools aim to merge equity perspectives with student-centered learning practices, existing research on specific practices linked to this approach becomes critical.

For example, a study by the American Institutes for Research and the Student-Centered Learning Research Collaborative explored the relationship between racial equity, collaborative learning, and personalization—a core aspect of student-centered learning.

The study examined four high schools, particularly focusing on Black students’ experiences during collaborative learning compared to more individualized personalized learning. Results highlighted the positive impact of high-quality collaborative activities on Black students' academic success. However, they also underscored instances where Black students faced microaggressions and exclusion while working in groups.

Implementing Equity-Centric Student-Centered Learning Programs As schools plan to adopt student-centered learning on a larger scale, there are tools and strategies to ensure equity remains at the forefront.

Education Evolving's detailed guide, "Equity in Student-Centered Learning Design," offers actionable steps for designing, implementing, and enhancing programs for universal learner success.

The guide encourages education leaders to:

Conduct individual equity-related research and introspection. Collaborate with team members to build trust, set guidelines, and establish objectives. Review each student-centered learning principle through an equity lens for immediate improvements and commit to deeper changes over time. The guide prompts consideration of equity concerns within each established student-centered learning principle.

One School's Continuous Improvement Journey Winship Elementary School's efforts to enhance equity through student-centered learning exemplify a successful five-year commitment to meeting student needs, fostering teacher collaboration, raising student achievement, and engaging families and partners.

According to Mona Ford Walker, the former principal, "When done right, student-centered learning is an equity move."

Equitable Student-Centered Learning Resources Apart from programmatic guidance, leveraging discussion, collaboration, and resources is crucial to ensure equitable student-centered learning.

The Students at the Center Hub offers a free resource database focused on equitable student-centered learning. Educators can access tailored instructional support, equity considerations, family engagement strategies, and teacher leadership resources.

Prioritizing Equity and Student-Centered Learning Achieving equitable student-centered learning necessitates education leaders' sustained commitment to understanding how to support all students. It involves context-specific work and ongoing reflection through collaboration with community members. Ultimately, equity-grounded learning requires collective effort and continuous refinement.