Too Much Focus on Students' Weaknesses?

Are teachers focusing too much on struggling students' weaknesses instead of their strengths? That's what Yvette Jackson, chief executive officer of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education, said in a recent meeting at ASCD headquarters. Her presentation on reversing underachievement in urban schools stressed focusing on students' strengths because "your focus is reality."

She warned against the assumption that underachievers have no strengths and the dangers of using labels (minority, disadvantaged, etc.) to support these assumptions. In order to close the achievement gap, educators shouldn't look at the lack of potential, but rather should have a fearless belief that all students have potential and teach according to that mind-set. 

Do you find yourself focusing on students' strengths or weaknesses? Or both?

Hear Jackson talk about the power of educators to nurture potential in students.