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Category: Uncategorized

  • Advocating for Equitable Education

    Title: Advocating for Equitable Education.  Blog Series Name: Deficit Thinking in Education. When I think about what it means to advocate for equitable education, I find myself reflecting on the power of our voice- both individually and collectively. As teachers, equitable education is about giving our Mexican American students a voice in the classroom. As…

  • Leading Mexican American Communities Equitably

    Title: Leading Mexican American Communities Equitably.  Blog Series Name: Deficit Thinking in Education. Mexican American students need to feel a sense of belonging within their schools. The same goes for their parents. School principals can do this by building inclusive schools that are culturally responsive. An inclusive school that emphasizes belonging has a welcoming climate…

  • Teaching Mexican American Students Equitably.

    Title: Teaching Mexican American Students Equitably.  Blog Series Name: Deficit Thinking in Education. Studies have shown that Mexican American students report lower levels of challenge in some school activities than other groups. This is important because if educators are not challenging these students, they will disengage from the work. Once they disengage from the work,…

  • Understanding Cultural Values Among Mexican American Families.

    Title: Understanding Cultural Values Among Mexican American Families.  Blog Series Name: Deficit Thinking in Education. Building positive relationships with others enables an atmosphere of trust and understanding. When there is an understanding of one another, the relationship can move past judgments to one where they support each other. In education, there are a lot of…

  • How We Talk to Mexican American Students Matters.

    Blog Series Name: Deficit Thinking in Education. The power of expectations. The way educators talk to their students shows their belief in them. Consider the two following phrases: How an educator phrases these statements is essential because it sets the tone for a student’s next course of action. The first statement implies that the student…

  • Do You Have a Deficit Mindset Towards Mexican American Students?

    Blog Series: Deficit Thinking in Education. A term sometimes used when talking about a Mexican American student goes something like “ay pobrecito.” Educators might use this when the student gets a failing grade. They might use it when the student gets suspended for continuous visits to the principal’s office. Sometimes, “ay pobrecito” is used when…