Key Concepts in ELT Equity

Equity as a value and principle dismantles discrimination and ensures justice for all educational stakeholders. Equity is one of the key terms in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), a concept of social justice that has become a major institutional mission. Seeking equity in English language teaching (ELT) means establishing fairness in terms of diverse identities, including gender, race, class, ethnicity, language, sexuality, and disability. This short discussion on equity in ELT addresses the difference between equity and equality and two types of equity-based educational interventions: (1) representational intervention to amplify the representation of a marginalized group in teaching materials and pedagogies, and (2) accommodation intervention to remove institutional and societal inequalities by providing specific support to meet the unique needs of individuals or groups. Stakeholders should recognize that equitable outcomes cannot be achieved without ensuring adequate resources, rigorous curriculum, teacher training, and administrative support, which together enhance pedagogical quality.