Suwinder Jheeta Cooper

State Performance Plan –Technical Assistance Facilitator

Napa County of Education

How do you define educational equity?

Educational equity means ensuring every student receives what they need to succeed academically in a safe, inclusive environment that respects individual and cultural differences. I envision it as a kaleidoscope, a dynamic process of continuous self-assessment and improvement by educators. This ensures their knowledge, skills, policies, and practices adapt to the evolving needs of diverse students. Achieving equity requires willingness, intentionality, and commitment to understanding and supporting students' unique realities. It involves building strong relationships with students and families, both in general and special education. Ultimately, it demands confronting and addressing our own biases and limited beliefs about ability, access, and accountability.