Creating a Strengths-Based Culture
10 Ways to Start With Strengths in Our Schools
"A strengths-based culture capitalizes on strengths
rather than focusing solely on improving weaknesses. This doesn’t mean people
can skip the parts of the job they don’t like or that they should give up
trying to become competent with tasks they aren’t great at. It simply means you
can exercise more flexibility..." CUInsight
Although the above quote applies to business, it is easy to shift these ideas to our students and classrooms. We need flexibility to consider strengths first while continuing to support our 2e students' disabilities. We apply that flexibility to focus first on strengths
Chris Wejr has done extensive work on incorporating strengths and his work has been cited throughout this course. His article below suggests once again that we need to shift our thinking from "My Students" to "Our Students." Take the time to read this short article to help build a strengths-based culture in your educational community. Chris Wejr in "10 Ways To Start With Strengths In Schools" (Wejr. 2914)
10 Ways to Start With Strengths in Schools
1. Shift from my students to our students
2. Make the first contact about the strengths
3. Schedule in time for a child to use his/her strengths in school
4. Teach parts of the curriculum through the strengths/interests
5. In meetings, start with the bright spots
6. Start the conversation on how we honor students ins schools
7. Reflect on Assessment practices
8. Watch those labels
9. Start with the strengths of staff and the school community
10. Share the stories