Asset vs. Deficit Approaches
from User Generated Education
Sees Kids as
Deficit
Model
- needing to develop skills
valued by mainstream
society
Approaches Kids from marginalized populations as:
Asset
Model
- having unique strengths, passions, and interests
- being competent and capable in settings that are important to the learners
- having their own personal powers
- having much to offer to other students and their school communities
- sources for educating others about their communities and cultures
- thriving in a climate of differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning
- even though they are not marking to the beat of traditional school design, it doesn't mean they are out of step
How are we currently viewing our students with Special Needs?
Reflective
Question
What should we do to see our students as assets?