AVID for Higher Education – Disrupting Deficit Narratives Through Equity-Minded Practice

Disrupting Deficit Narratives
Through Equity-Minded Practice
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, TRI-CITIES, WA

As a precursor to student engagement, motivation matters. The literature is overrun with deficit thinking about diverse
students, their families, cultures, socioeconomic background, abilities, and communities. Educators frequently lament
about how to motivate students to “care” about their learning. Yet, very few have the opportunity to participate in the
work needed to foster the equity mindedness to disrupt these deficit narratives.
The news illustrates examples where college administrators, faculty, and staff miss the mark on how to cultivate
positive learning environments where all students can thrive. Further, many institutions lack resources needed to
engage and support faculty and staff in proactive preparation to better serve a diverse student body. Research says
that students learn and thrive in environments in which they feel included, heard, and valued.

For more information, see the flyer.