Building a culture of fairness
If someone were to compose a global anthem for children (and many adults) the first three words would likely to be: It’s not fair!
It’s a song we hear sung every single day and like the most annoying ear worm it’s very difficult to get it out of your head. The fun thing though is that you can influence the frequency of this performance by helping children learn what fairness really means.
Let’s first start with a definition: fair does not mean equal!
“Equality is treating everyone the same. But equity is taking differences into account, so everyone has a chance to succeed.” ― Jodi Picoult
Even though equal opportunity for equal benefit is central to its meaning, fairness does not mean that everybody gets what they want. It does mean that everybody has an equal opportunity to benefit. For example, a teacher may offer computer time only for students who have completed their work. That’s fair, because everyone has the opportunity to finish their work. It would not be fair if the teacher only offered computer time to right-handed students.
The way we look at it, our students should be treated equitably and ethically while recognizing their individual needs and circumstance. At Walden we embrace the idea that the differences between people should be recognized and valued, not diminished.
We do that by adhering to some very simple principles.
Play by the rules: We clearly establish the rules, play by them, model them and hold everyone accountable to follow them. Nothing erodes fairness more quickly than visible evidence of hypocrisy and hyperbole.
Never play favourites: We know this one is hard. We quite naturally are attracted to some people more than others BUT in a leadership position we can’t afford to make this evident. No one likes a teacher’s pet so we don’t create them! This way Simon sees that Mikayla and Devishi are treated just the same as he is when tasks or treats are doled out.
Provide opportunities for involvement in decision-making: Have you ever found yourself in a position where you had accountability without authority? Not pleasant is it? Even with our youngest students we find ways to make sure they feel heard and have some influence on how their days unfold.
Listen and allow yourself to be influenced: We don’t know everything. It’s true! When we ask the kids for their input and evidently listen and sometimes change course they develop trust.
Think before you act: For example, there’s been a large snowfall. The entrance to your building features both an accessible ramp and steps. Which do you shovel first? Vastly more people use the steps so to be fair they should be shovelled first. Right? No. Although only a very few need the ramp cleared everyone can use the ramp. That’s the fair thing to do so everyone can enter the building safely and in a timely fashion.