2.6| Equitable Learning

Explore.png What is Equitable Learning?

Equitable Learning is at the heart of what we strive towards in RCSS, even down to our vision statement: "The Richmond County School System will provide an equitable education for all students to prepare them for life beyond the classroom."

Unlike the previous elements of the RCSS Digital Learning Framework, Equitable Learning is not explicitly drawn from the TIM.  Instead, the RCSS approach to Equitable Learning is defined by three key components informed by researched-based approaches from the ISTE Standards Links to an external site., Common Sense Media Links to an external site., and Digital Promise Links to an external site.. The three components of Equitable Learning in RCSS are Acceptable Use, Digital Citizenship, and Equitable Access.  Learn more about each of these components below.


1. Acceptable Use

"Acceptable Use" refers to which ways technology can or cannot be used in the classroom, whether the student is using their personal devices or those provided by the school system.  The official RCSS Acceptable Use Policy Links to an external site. provides definitions of terms related to internet safety for minors as required by law, and provides clear guidance about both student and staff responsibilities in regards to technology.  This policy is designed to keep our staff, students, and network safe for all to use for instructional purposes.  Please ensure that you have read and understand the policy.  Additional information about acceptable use and other topics related to internet and device use/safety can be found on the RCSS Information Technology Website Links to an external site..


2. Digital Citizenship

Teaching digital citizenship guides students, especially younger children, on how to build a safe and positive online community at their school and in their homes. It helps build their judgement around choices that may lead to disrupting instructional time, hurting classmates, or placing themselves in an inappropriate situation. Common Sense’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum addresses critical issues facing children in a fast-changing world of media and technology. These lessons teach students to think critically and develop the habits of mind to navigate digital dilemmas in their everyday lives. It was created in collaboration with Project Zero at the Harvard >Graduate School of Education Links to an external site., guided by research with thousands of educators and parents. Lesson plans and student lessons for grades K-12 can be located in Canvas Commons under RCSS Digital Citizenship. If you need assistance locating and importing resources from Canvas Commons, refer to this guideTeachers are expected to download the relevant grade level lessons from Commons at the beginning of each school year; these lessons should be completed during the opening weeks of the school year prior to device distribution.   Look for an Alert in Canvas during the first weeks of school to remind you about downloading and using your Digital Citizenship resources. Click on the buttons below to explore additional Digital Citizenship resources:

 

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Please note that you will need to create a free account at commonsense.org/education Links to an external site. prior to clicking the buttons above.


3. Equitable Access

For students to become college and career ready in the 21st Century, access to and familiarity with digital tools are essential.  However, adequate access to technology is often not available to all members of our community due to finances, disabilities, or a host of other reasons.  One of the main driving factors behind the original Power Up 1:1 initiative in the RCSS was leveling the playing field for all students by establishing a 1:1 student/device ratio.  Regularly implementing lessons infused with technology according to the our Digital Learning Framework, educating our students about Digital Citizenship, and ensuring all students and staff abide by our Acceptable Use policy lays the foundations for all of our students to have equitable access to the differentiated learning opportunities and resources they need to be 21st Century college and career ready.

In addition, we strive for all of our online material, be it lessons and resources in Canvas, digital documents, or our website, to meet the accessibility needs of every stakeholder in our system by complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Links to an external site. developed by the World Wide Web Consortium Links to an external site..  Stakeholders who are having difficulty accessing the RCSS website or Canvas content developed by RCSS are encouraged to submit feedback via Let's Talk Links to an external site..  More information about Website Accessibility can be found through our Information Technology page here Links to an external site..


Connect.png Connections: Practices for Equitable Instruction

Equitable Learning in digital instruction involves overcoming not only logistical or socio-economic challenges, it also depends on making sure that all classroom practices make learning accessible for the differentiated needs of all learners. Explore the Links below to learn about some strategies to make your classroom instruction more equitable.