How to Achieve Educational Equity in the Classroom

Written: September 2021          Updated: February 2026

When the school year begins, classrooms fill with students who have different skills, talents, and levels of understanding of academic concepts. No two classes are identical, and no two students are alike. Students likely came from several different classrooms the year before, and each of those teachers probably left off at various points in the curriculum. As a result, students are left with different levels of understanding.

Teachers must meet curriculum standards while supporting remote learning for K-12 classes with each classroom of learners having varying needs. To close the achievement gap and promote educational equity, teachers need strategies that help level the playing field so that students can access instruction, build academic skills, and move forward together. Creating equity and an inclusive environment in the classroom starts with understanding where students are and responding intentionally.

The Importance of Equity in Education and Differentiated Instruction

Creating an equitable learning environment requires thoughtful planning, flexible teaching, and a commitment to meeting students where they are. Both equity and differentiated instruction are required to provide an equal, inclusive school environment for all students.

Equity in Education

Educational equity means ensuring all students have equal access to the resources and instruction they need, regardless of:

• Background
• Learning differences
• Language skills
• Physical ability
• Immigration status
• Sexual orientation
• Income level

In practice, equity in the classroom acknowledges that students arrive with different experiences and levels of readiness, and it responds to those differences intentionally.

An equitable classroom supports diverse learners by addressing the opportunity differences, narrowing achievement gaps, and promoting better academic outcomes. When teachers focus on creating equity, they help students build confidence, develop skills, and achieve academic success throughout the learning process.

Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instruction means personalizing lessons for each student. However, each class does not have to be unique. It can be as simple as altering the questions on an assignment to help students learn—and it can have a significant impact.

Differentiation in the classroom is an art. Teachers must find balance for on-track, advanced, and remedial students in the same room. This culturally responsive teaching means that each student learns best with tailored assignments that reflect their current understanding.

Differentiated instruction is essential for ensuring equity because it recognizes that not all students learn in the same way or at the same pace. By adjusting teaching methods, materials, and expectations, educators can create inclusive learning environments where students feel supported, challenged, and capable of growth.

3 Ways to Level Out the Classroom Through Differentiated Instruction

Certified teachers are most effective when they differentiate instruction based on each student’s level of understanding to promote equity in education. Differentiation helps teachers respond to individual needs while still supporting the entire classroom. 

With the right tools and classroom strategies, teachers can encourage students, accelerate learning, provide targeted support, and foster greater equity. 

1. Assess Students’ Skills to Understand What Concepts They’ve Grasped

Understanding where students are academically is the first step in building equity. Many Proximity Learning teachers begin the year by using tools like Canvas quizzes, Kahoot, and Nearpod to assess students’ skills, interests, and learning styles before finalizing lesson plans.

Teachers can ask questions such as:

• What are your hobbies?
• What is your favorite subject?
• Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?
• Do you prefer projects or tests?

This information helps educators understand how students learn best and identify who may need additional support, who is on track, and who may benefit from enrichment. Early assessment helps teachers plan instruction that supports learning outcomes and promotes equity in the classroom so students succeed.

2. Play Games to Help All Students Master Targeted Concepts

The goal for all students is to master targeted concepts. But how do teachers achieve that when students are at different levels?

Proximity Learning’s Learning and Development Specialist of Instruction, Cody Reid, encourages teachers to use educational software to personalize learning without isolating students. As a former Proximity Learning teacher, Mr. Reid understands how engaging assignments can help students practice concepts effectively.

Gamify Instruction

In 2021, Mr. Reid gamified his math instruction by creating a custom Dungeons & Dragons-style campaign using an educational gaming website called Prodigy. Students practiced math skills while interacting with characters in a “choose your own adventure” format. Mr. Reid even let them customize the villain and the scenarios based on their interests. Engagement increased immediately, and test scores improved as students practiced skills in a fun, supportive learning environment.

Prodigy also adapts questions based on student performance, allowing teachers to assign remedial or advanced questions discreetly. Students play the game and answer educational questions as they interact with characters. The program automatically sends them questions based on the lessons, but teachers can also intervene and feed students remediate or advanced questions to amplify learning. This approach helps support students, avoids embarrassment, and keeps students working toward the same goals.

Measure Response to Intervention

Other tools, such as MobyMax, support intervention and track response to instruction, helping teachers monitor progress and adjust instruction in real time. And with personalized TicTacToe Hyperdocs, teachers can fill the grid with assignments and allow students to pick 3 out of 9 to complete before they win TicTacToe. Students will appreciate the independence in choosing their activities, and teachers will ensure students practice various skills.

Form small groups and use project-based learning to encourage problem-solving and learning from peers. Creative thinking from the teacher encourages a growth mindset for students. This project-based learning further encourages choice, collaboration, and problem-solving, essential components of inclusive teaching practices.

3. Measure Student Progress Closely

Measuring progress ensures that differentiated instruction is effective. Mr. Reid encourages teachers to keep an eye on the individual grading functions built into the educational gaming programs to measure learning growth. He also uses spiraling and repetition to ask similar questions on the end-of-unit tests to ensure students progress and overcome previously missed questions.

Teachers can review student work to see where the students were confused, help them correct the problem, and give them partial credit for working through it. Monitoring learning outcomes helps teachers refine instruction and continue promoting equity throughout the school year.

When all students reach the same level of understanding, a teacher’s job is simple: continue the growth. There will be more time to spend expanding their knowledge and increasing educational equity within the classroom. Implement creative strategies in the classroom to engage students and watch them flourish. 

Creating Opportunity and Equity with Proximity Learning

Achieving educational equity in the classroom requires intentional planning, differentiated instruction, and a commitment to supporting every learner. With more than 15 years of experience delivering synchronous instruction, Proximity Learning partners with hundreds of schools to support thousands of classrooms nationwide.

By equipping certified teachers with proven tools and strategies, we help educators create equitable learning environments where students can succeed academically and grow with confidence. If you want to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives and help advance equity in education systems, contact us today to learn how Proximity Learning can support your classroom and district.