Shifting the Paradigm from Deficit Oriented Schools to Asset-Based Models;

Why Leaders Need to Promote an Asset Orientation in Our Schools

Shannon Renkley

Katherine Bertolini

Argument

The authors argue that schools need to shift from a deficit based model to an asset based model for education.   Using an asset based approach focuses on student strengths, talents and abilities rather than weaknesses creating a positive learning environment that values diversity and experience.  This model recognizes the importance of  family and community involvement as being crucial to student success.

We shouldn't try to "fix" what isn’t broken

The deficit-based model of education focuses on perceived “deficiencies” or what a student cannot do instead of their strengths and skills.  This model uses a reactive approach through interventions designed to address these perceived deficiencies or “fix”  what is “broken”.  It often overlooks cultural background and experiences, failing to recognize abilities and diverse learning needs.  This can lead to mislabeling and preventing students from reaching their full potential.  The asset-based model values diversity and views these differences as positive assets rather than obstacles to learning.  This model promotes a positive learning environment focused on strengths and cultural backgrounds helping students feel recognized and valued.  Educators can implement the asset-based model by first recognizing cultural differences as rich assets to learning, identifying what students “can do” and building lessons around those strengths in order to build confidence and promote engagement.  In the documentary Precious Knowledge we witnessed how students enrolled in an asset- based educational program thrived both academically and personally. Sadly, the program was dismantled by political and educational authorities in order to "fix" what they perceived as deficient or "broken"

The Developmental Assets Framework  

The Search Institute introduced the Developmental Assets Framework identifying forty developmental assets- indicators that influence positive youth development and significantly increase the likelihood of becoming responsible, healthy, successful adults.  These building blocks are categorized into 20 internal and 20 external assets.  Internal assets are focused on social emotional strengths, beliefs, values and commitments that are self developed and nurtured within.  External assets focus on relationships, opportunities and support provided by families, schools and communities.   It is reported that having three or more caring adults outside of the family is crucial to building these assets. “The more assets a student possesses, the more thriving behaviors the student showcases and the less likely that student will exhibit risky behaviors.”   Research shows that the average sixth grader possesses 22 of the 40 listed assets with a noted drop to only 18 by the time they enter high school.  This asset gap is thought to be related to the many challenges experienced during the transitional middle school years,  including increased academic stressors, changes in social dynamics (social media, peer pressure) and decrease in family support related to desire for independence. I hated middle school and can understand how easy it would be for this to happen. I was fortunate to have several caring adults to support me during those trying years. My Grammy was the most important person in my life up until the moment I became a mother. I truly don't think I would have survived without her love and guidance. They say when someone touches your heart, their memory remains forever. I will never forget Herbie, a senior adult leader in my church youth group. He taught me many valuable life lessons- from the importance of exercising the right to vote to the most important one- always keeping a promise. Mrs. Quigley, my childhood friend's mom, and a nurse, had an abundance of patience- something my own mother lacked. I remember how she helped me dress as a bag of jelly beans for a Halloween party at the nursing home where I volunteered and how she carefully applied Bacitracin to the self-inflicted abrasion on my face caused by my attempts to scrub off my first pimple!

https://info.searchinstitute.org/developmental-assets-framework-download-ty

It Takes a Village: 

Building Healthy Communities

This article explains the importance of  forming community-parent-school partnerships to promote student learning and growth and how using an asset-based model facilitates healthy communities.   Healthy communities are described as “relational and intergenerational places that emphasize support, empowerment, boundaries, opportunities and a shared commitment to developing internal assets”.  Schools collaborate with families, neighborhoods, community members and local businesses to create engaging learning experiences for students through workshops, peer mentoring programs and internships.  These education networks provide the resources, guidance, support and real life learning opportunities that nurture and help students build on their positive attributes to reach their potential.  In turn, students are recognized and valued for their strengths, cultural backgrounds and experiences, and are viewed as assets and active contributors.  These healthy positive relationships not only benefit students by fostering positive self esteem and promoting growth and resilience but also build stronger communities.