Equality,+Equity,+&+Adequacy

 __Equality__: every student has the same access to the same basic educational program. Examples would be basic programs such as core courses and textbook allotments.   __Equity__: the system is fair and responds to the needs of individuals. Special programs allocations and compensatory funds are examples of equity. Equity is not the same as equality. Everyone doesn't get the same thing, but everyone gets what he or she needs.  __Adequacy__: the school district receives financial support sufficient to meet state accreditation standards. Examples include state minimum salary schedules and legislative attempts to address rising textbook costs. When discussing the three terms equality, equity, and adequacy, on the surface they all seem to imply the same things. Examining these terms more closely exposes the true meanings of the terms. These meanings show the terms to be very different. The major concern with school finance seems to be fairness in the funding processes for all students. To be truly fair in school funding and to provide exactly the same opportunities for all students is unrealistic. We would like to think that all students are treated and taught with the same amount of funding but that is not the case. Each school district has many similarities but they also have unique circumstances that affect how the district allocates resources.