Blog Post #1

 
Shifting the Paradigm from Deficit Oriented Schools to Asset Based Models: Why Leaders Need to Promote an Asset Orientation in our Schools

Authors: Shannon Renkly and Katherine Bertolini

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1djonkMMSGtFywQw-6pYQj3b3SQ1WJCP5/view

The Authors' Argument

    The authors Shannon Renkly and Katherine Bertolini clearly share their argument of changing school and educational environments from deficit-oriented models to asset-based models. 

    First things first, let's define deficit and asset-based models in a school system. A deficit model is one that focuses only on what the students cannot do and what they are not achieving. The belief behind this is that the fault falls onto the student, who is seen as lacking in a commitment to learn. An asset-based model focuses on the achievements of not only the students but the staff involved in the learning environment as well. A clear difference to acknowledge to fully understand the topic is that deficit-based learning environments are fully based on the student's performance and lack of achievement, while asset-based involves the educators and students' abilities to learn and teach and overall achieve. 

    Renkly and Bertolini share that by changing the focus from the students who are underachieving to all parties who are doing what needs to be done, there will be a greater increase in learning overall. Focusing only on what goals are not being met hides praise that students and educators need in order to succeed. The overall theme of the article is that empowerment is the key to success. The text states, "Not only do students build positive traits when schools place an emphasis on asset building, but this new way of thinking naturally allows for high levels of community-parent-school partnerships as well." Creating an asset-based learning environment provides an opportunity for community involvement to highlight the aspect of what is working, creating closer and healthier communal environments. 

    Shannon Renkly and Katherine Bertolini believe that focusing on the negative is only going to have a negative effect. In schools, negativity and highlighting what is not working are only harmful to the students and teachers. Utilizing asset-based methods provides opportunities for goal reaching and looking forward to positive change. 

Reflection:

    After reading this article, I can only agree with Renkly and Bertolini's thoughts. After reading, I reflected back on my experience as a student in public schools and how my school used asset-based methods. My schools always emphasized achievements by holding "Student of the Month" ceremonies, acknowledging perfect attendance and honor roll students and so forth. As a student in this environment it gave me a goal to reach, overall inspiring me as a student. My schools never declared to its students and staff about the goals we weren't reaching because it would simply make us feel bad about ourselves and not encourage us. All in all I believe asset-based learning environments should be utilized nationwide. I also am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced asset-based learning as a student.