Long abstract

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Defining equity in education

Equity in education has two dimensions. The first is fairness, which implies ensuring that personal and social circumstances – for example gender, socio-economic status or ethnic origin – should not be an obstacle to achieving educational potential. The second is inclusion, which implies ensuring a basic
minimum standard of education for all – for example that everyone should be able to read, write and do simple arithmetic. The two dimensions are closely intertwined: tackling school failure helps to overcome the effects of social deprivation which often causes school failure.

Why does equity in education matter?

The benefits from education are large. In the United States, for example,workers with tertiary qualifications earn more than double the income of those with no post-compulsory qualifications. Education is associated with better health, a longer life, successful parenting and civic participation. Fair and inclusive education is one of the most powerful levers available to make society more equitable.
Fair and inclusive education is desirable because:

• There is a human rights imperative for people to be able to develop their
  capacities and participate fully in society. The right to education is
  recognised, for example, in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of
  the Child and in the constitution of most nations.
• The long-term social and financial costs of educational failure are high.
  Those without the skills to participate socially and economically generate
  higher costs for health, income support, child welfare and security.
• Increased migration poses new challenges for social cohesion in some
  countries while other countries face long-standing issues of integrating
  minorities. Fair and inclusive education for migrants and minorities is a key