I watch every week as my CT- pretty unintentionally, I think- talks in condescending tones to students, communicates low expectations for learning and behavior goals, and make excuses for poor quality work (student has an IEP, is depressed, etc.).  I feel confident in saying that he views the students through a deficit lens, and doesn't seem to truly believe that they are capable of high quality work.

When thinking about creating a humanizing curriculum and learning community, how can we identify a deficit lens in ourselves, to assure we are bringing in student knowledge, and holding high expectations for them?  In their behavior, how can we make sure that we aren't valuing mainstream standards for behavior norms while creating a respectful, supportive, safe community? How can we assess ourselves on our lenses, as well as assess students in a way that is humanizing?

(Group members: Adama, Analie, Lauren, Queen)