Principles of social justice in education

Choosing to make a school egalitarian and equitable implies a certain commitment on the part of those involved, and this commitment increases the chances of success. Since it's a question of values, it's worth discussing them and determining how far we're prepared to go and what needs to be put in place.

In the document "La justice sociale en éducation - Les faits saillants tirés de la littérature scientifique et professionnelle", Jean Archambault and Li Harnois of the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Education, present the values and practices put in place as part of a fairer school.

Values

• A profound belief in the possibility of establishing an equitable school that strives for excellence.
  
  
• A belief in all students' capacity to learn and to succeed, and the expression of high but realistic expectations for them.
  
  
• An appeal to moral principles and social justice values to deconstruct misconceptions held by members of the school team (principals, teachers, non-teaching staff and support personnel).
  
  
• A shift from deficit-based intervention to a focus on consolidation and development.
  
  
• Positive beliefs and attitudes towards children and their families (an approach that enables better practices and greater social justice).
  

The actions

In principle, everyone agrees on virtue. In practice, we'll have to affirm it:

• The school team focuses the school's mission on the success of all students and on social justice.
  
  
• Pedagogical and management practices take into account the realities of students and families, and convey values of social justice.
  
  
• The principal's leadership is shared and encourages the participation of all.
  
  
• Principals combat false beliefs and prejudices about children and families, and encourage their school teams to do the same.
  
  
• The school team ensures that the school is a safe place where a climate of respect and openness prevails.
  
  
• Parents, community members and the school work together to share experiences and knowledge.
  
  
• The principal and all members of the school team are aware of and understand social justice issues.

The document details each of these points and encourages reflection on the subject, without restricting application to a specific procedure.

To access the pdf document

La justice sociale en éducation - Les faits saillants tirés de la littérature scientifique et professionnelle - Jean Archambault, Li Harnois - Faculté des sciences de l'éducation de l'Université de Montréal.

Image - Dimitris Vetsikas - Pixabay