FNED 546 Weekly Blog Assignment #4 - Shifting the Paradigm

 

FNED 546 Weekly Blog Assignment #4 – Shifting the Paradigm from Deficit Oriented Schools to Asset Based Models: Why Leaders Need to Promote an Asset Orientation in our Schools by Shannon Renkly and Katherine Bertolini

QUOTES REFLECTION

Renkly and Bertolini’s article focuses on the difference between a deficit model (focusing attention on what is broken and how to fix it) and an asset (or abundance) model (focuses on what a student CAN do – their strengths, skills, talents, interests, and competencies). They believe in the asset model, stating that “…schools must focus on identifying and building up students’ assets to create positive development” and “We can make powerful changes when we break through the pervasive influence of the deficit paradigm and recognize the untapped strengths of students and teachers.” (Pg. 23)  


To be truly effective, the transition to an asset-based model needs to happen not just in a classroom, but in the entire school. The benefits to the students are clear, but it’s the inclusion of the teachers in the overall process that helps in “developing and supervising the instructional and leadership capacity of school staff” (Pg. 24) and also lead to connections within the community-parent-school partnerships. The assed-based approach to teaching ties in with the growth mindset often favored in a modern-day classroom. Angela Di Michelle Lalor explains the sync in her article "Three Steps to Developing an Asset-Based Approach to Teaching".

Focusing on an asset-based model does not mean that a school is ignoring or downplaying risky behavior or unhelpful choices from their students. These types of issues are present in every school at some level, and the more a student exhibits these sorts of challenges, the more likely they are to further test the rules boundaries. Renkly and Bertolini target this issue in the reading, nothing that “Through multiple studies of over one million students in grades 6-12 performed by Search Institute, they have proven repeatedly that the more assets a student possesses, the more thriving behaviors the student showcases and the less likely that student will exhibit risky behaviors.” And that “…a school that focuses most of their energy on asset development will naturally be working toward risk reduction as well.” (Pg. 25)

REFLECTION: The asset-based model exercise laid out in the “Asset Mapping” document could be fun to try in class. The “4-H Gifts Inventory” exercise would let the class learn more about each other, which could be valuable as we move forward as a cohort, and highlight the amount of previously unknown skills and experiences a random sampling of students can bring to a classroom. 


Comments

  1. April FedericoFebruary 17, 2026 at 6:20 PM

    Hi Mark. Your short-and-sweet post really resonated with me because it challenged the traditional deficit mindset that still shows up in education. Too often, students are defined by what they lack instead of what they bring to the classroom. The idea of shifting toward an asset-based approach aligns strongly with my personal teaching philosophy. I believe every student comes in with strengths, experiences, and cultural knowledge that deserve to be recognized and built upon. When educators focus on potential rather than limitations, students are more likely to feel confident, engaged, and capable of growth. Overall, this reading affirmed something I already believe deeply: students thrive when they are seen, valued, and supported for who they are, not judged for what they are missing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Corey's Dream TeamFebruary 18, 2026 at 4:59 AM

    Hey Mark
    Great post! I truly believe that the asset based model is the only way educators even management in companies need to adhere by. The power of empowering your team and letting your students know they are valued is unmatched.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Adriana BullerFebruary 18, 2026 at 8:47 AM

    Hi Mark, thanks for highlighting that the asset-based models need to be school-wide! It is extremely difficult to build these kinds of learning environments when there isn't support from our peers in the workplace. We should definitely do the 4-H inventory -- sounds like fun and a good way to practice learnings with each other before implementing with students!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nicole ContenteFebruary 18, 2026 at 7:31 PM

    Hi Mark, I completely agree that it must be a school-wide shift. It is hard when teachers are all different ages, experience levels, or any other difference to try to unify one method. I think administration would really have to step up if they wanted any change, big or small, to be constant and consistent throughout the school and by each teacher! I would be very tricky but I think it would be worth it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. TanyaLMarch 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM

    I think all schools should use the asset-based mode. I also believe that in order for this to be successful, it must be a school wide effort. Students thrive on positivity and building connections

    ReplyDelete

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