Exceptional Educational Equity Programs

Equity programs are developed especially for students who are experiencing some form of disadvantage that hinders their engagement with the school curriculum. These programs address the fundamental conditions necessary for school learning - students' physical conditions, emotional well-being, and basic academic skills. Herein are described seven exceptional Equity programs observed in NSW high schools - programs catering for lower socio-economic and Indigenous communities, NESB students, and students with disabilities. From the authors' detailed analysis of the seven sites four major themes emerged. Characteristic of these exceptional Equity programs were teachers' intense focus on students' learning needs; effective and productive collaboration among teachers; adequate and well-managed resources; and programs tailored specifically to secure physical well-being and safety, sense of belonging, trust, self-esteem, and basic skills and competencies.