Blog Post #4

 Shifting the Paradigm by Renkly & Bertolini

Arguement

In "Shifting the Paradigm," by Renkly and Bertolini, the authors argue that schools would benefit from switching to an abundance model. An abudence model, also known as a asset model focuses on a students strengths, and the skills they do possess. Versus focusing on their weakness, or things that need to be improved upon. The authors argue that in today's society a deficit model is used more widely, and while it may work in some enviorments a school setting is not one of them. A deficit model does the opposite of a asset model, and focuses on a students weaknesses, for example in the text the example of a underachieving student is used, and examines that in a deficit model they may examine that student and determine they arent working hard enough, and need to work harder. In a asset model the student will be examined and their strengths and weaknesses will be identified, and theyll work to help strengthen their strengths. The authors believe that implementing a asset model in schools will benefit not only the students, but also the teachers as it helps the teachers act better as leaders, and the teachers are able to better assist the students. 

Approaching Marginalized Populations from an Asset Rather Than a Deficit Model of Education

Reflection:

The image I posted above demonstrates a deficit model, where we assign students all the same tasks - but not every student possesses the skills to properly complete that task. This in turn negatively effects the students, because they cannot complete the assigned task to the same level as their peers may. I think the image helps demonstrate that the deficit model isnt just saying someone may be failing, due to not trying but it could be a system that actively works against a student succeeding. Similar to articles we have read on Equity versus Equality, where this system might be equal, its not equitable.