CCEA Plus 2025 Surf's Up! Riding the Waves of Opportunity

I've seen firsthand the transformative power of a strengths-based rather than a deficit-focused approach. In my presentation, I will emphasize how educators working with continuation school students must cultivate a mindset that recognizes and validates each learner's inherent assets and potential. Too often, these students are viewed through a deficit lens- what they lack rather than what they bring. My journey has shown me that when educators believe in students' capabilities and treat them as whole, complex individuals, this can profoundly impact their self-belief and academic outcomes. I struggled immensely as a continuation high school student, yet I persisted because there were mentors who saw my resilience, drive, and cultural wealth—not just my circumstances. By sharing my story of going from a continuation school student to a doctoral degree recipient, I aim to model how an asset-based approach can empower marginalized learners to defy the odds. I will highlight specific strategies and mindsets that educators can adopt, such as: -Validating students' lived experiences and cultural identities as sources of strength (counterstories) -Nurturing a growth mindset that emphasizes effort, persistence, and the capacity to improve -Providing personalized encouragement and high expectations rather than lowering the bar -Connecting students to their intrinsic motivation and sense of purpose -Fostering learning environments that are inclusive, supportive, and affirming When students feel seen, heard, and believed in, it can catalyze a profound transformation. This is the kind of mindset shift that I think is essential for helping continuation school students realize their full potential. By sharing my counterstory of resilience and success, I hope to inspire the attending educators to recommit to a strengths-based philosophy.