Let's Drop the Deficit Labels: What happens when we stop labeling students and start connecting with them?

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Let's Drop the Deficit Labels: What happens when we stop labeling students and start connecting with them?
Authors: CREEKMORE, MICHAEL, CREEKMORE, NITA
Source: Educational Leadership. Feb2026, Vol. 83 Issue 5, p62-63. 2p.
Subject Terms: *Special needs students, *Student engagement, *Teaching methods, Trust
Abstract: The article discusses the importance for educators of building, maintaining, and restoring relationships intentionally with struggling learners. Topics discussed include changes needed in connecting with struggling learners including moving away from deficit labels to student stories and contexts, understanding how disconnection shows up academically and behaviorally and leading with curiosity, not judgment.
Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:The article discusses the importance for educators of building, maintaining, and restoring relationships intentionally with struggling learners. Topics discussed include changes needed in connecting with struggling learners including moving away from deficit labels to student stories and contexts, understanding how disconnection shows up academically and behaviorally and leading with curiosity, not judgment.
ISSN:00131784