There is a fundamental difference between equality and equity when it comes to assessment activities and design.
Equality in assessment treats all students the same.
Equity in assessment recognises and responds to differences among students, aiming to provide equal opportunities for success.
In higher education, achieving both equity and equality in assessment is crucial to ensure that all students have a fair chance to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities, regardless of their individual circumstances or backgrounds.
This figure summarises the key points.
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Equality and equity are often confused in assessment.
Assessment practice requires equality in how students work is graded; it does not mean a lowering of standards or setting of assessment that require a lower level of attainment for students with additional learning needs.
Equity in assessment means treating students differently to enable them to have the same level of access to learning. But it does not mean compromising on standards or setting assessments that are not of equivalent standards to others.
This video explores some of these differences in more depth